Weak Spot Over Fuel Tank 2005 Bayliner 185

[countryhick]

I recently acquired a 2005 Bayliner 185 with a Mercruiser 3.0. The boat seems to be in really good shape and has always been stored indoors. The only problem I have found so far is a spot above the fuel tank that flexes a little when I step on it. This is right where you step off of the engine cover and I'm sure has been stepped down on pretty hard many, many times. It sounds pretty solid knocking on it and only flexes a little when I step down on it. I'm thinking maybe there just isn't quite enough bracing in this area above the fuel tank. Maybe I'm just worrying too much. Has anybody else noticed this in this spot? Is there anything I could/should do short up ripping up the flooring? ​

 

[chevymaher]

Is it a removable cover? If so take it off and have a look. On mine that was a bad area for water and it would show up fast. Easy place to test under there where it wont show.

Mine had 1X4 across under there holding a piece of 1/2 inch plywood.

So really only way to know for sure is to actually check.

 

[dingbat]

Pretty common for floor panels to get soft over time from dry rot.

Moisture trapped in the bilge area is the culprit. Remove a deck plate to see if you can see or smell mold.

Leave hatches and deck deck plates off when boat is not in use to allow air flow in the area

 

[countryhick]

So do start pulling stuff up or just watch it for a while?

 

[dingbat]

Open the hatches to allow airflow then watch it.

The floor of my first boat did the same thing but stiffened up a bit once I get it dried out.

Sold it after 3 years without incidence

 

[countryhick]

Its completely dry now. I think Im gonna watch it this year and then brace under it and replace carpet in the fall.