Tips for Repairing a Soft Spot on Your Boat
- Add Support. When noticing a soft spot on your boat, you need to add more support to the structure to reinforce it as much as possible.
- Protect Yourself. Whenever working on a boat, especially when using epoxy, you should always wear gloves and mask. ...
- Do Not Mix the Materials Before Use. ...
- Buy Your Supplies Early. ...
- Cut Test Holes. ...
Full Answer
How to fix a soft spot on a boat?
When noticing a soft spot on your boat, you need to add more support to the structure to reinforce it as much as possible. The soft spots tend to be small enough at first, so you need to make sure that the overall surface you are working on allows you to apply the epoxy and fiberglass properly. 2. Protect Yourself
How to fix a rotten boat floor?
DescriptionThis DIY video shows how to fix a rotten boat floor. The text book way of replacing the floor is to remove the consoles, seat boxes and remove all the original plywood floor. Then replace the stringers underneath. Then fibreglass the stringers into the hull. Then replace the plywood floor. Then fiberglass the floor.
How do you fix a soft spot on a fiberglass pool table?
You can use a grease pencil to mark off the affected area. If the problem is due to fiberglass weakening, you’ll want to sand the affected area until the soft spot is noticeably lower than the surrounding area. In fact, in certain spots, you might sand all the way through the fiberglass.
How do you replace the floor of a boat?
The text book way of replacing the floor is to remove the consoles, seat boxes and remove all the original plywood floor. Then replace the stringers underneath. Then fibreglass the stringers into the hull. Then replace the plywood floor. Then fiberglass the floor.
How do you fix a soft spot in the floor of a boat?
Repairing the Soft Spot in Your Boat Floor If the problem is due to fiberglass weakening, you'll want to sand the affected area until the soft spot is noticeably lower than the surrounding area. In fact, in certain spots, you might sand all the way through the fiberglass.
What causes soft spots in boat floors?
Hi Jeff, Normally, a soft spot is caused when the foam beneath the fiberglass deck gets compressed. The fiberglass usually pops back into place but the foam remains compressed. Soft spots can be caused several ways. The most common is body weight being bounced up & down in the same spot.
How do you repair a fiberglass boat floor?
4:0823:35How to: Repair Fibreglass Boat Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI think gluing and filling filler in with our boat coat resin. See that that that's what I'd callMoreI think gluing and filling filler in with our boat coat resin. See that that that's what I'd call tomato sauce or a little bit thicker.
How do you repair a rotted boat floor?
0:099:40Repairing rotted boat floor (part 2) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown quite a bit before cutting the floor with the circular. Saw my main concern was to make sure weMoreDown quite a bit before cutting the floor with the circular. Saw my main concern was to make sure we had enough space between the surface of the floor. And the top of the solid core hull.
Can glue injection fix rotten core?
Not perfect, but it may work for just a few holes. It is easy. If the core was plywood or balsa, there is still some rot in progress and you'll be back in a few years. If the core was foam and the damaged area is small, maybe you're done.
How do you check a soft spot on a boat?
Look around all deck penetrations, hatches, wells, center console,inspection plates, tank cover plate etc. Take small steps and put all your weight on on foot at a time. If you find one, keep probing around untill you get an idea as to size. Also check transom for rot on these older models.
How do you Epoxy a boat floor?
11:2314:39Boat Transom and Floor Rebuild - Using the Epoxy ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey're glass coders and basically what you'll do is you'll just get like a painters tray. Full ofMoreThey're glass coders and basically what you'll do is you'll just get like a painters tray. Full of mixed up epoxy resin or you can use polyester if you're just coding wood for sealant purposes.
How do you repair fiberglass boat deck?
0:068:40Deck Repairs Part 2: Replacing the Core - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore. The first step in the process is to use a permanent marker. And straightedge to mark theMoreBefore. The first step in the process is to use a permanent marker. And straightedge to mark the outline of the area to be cut.
What can I use for boat floor?
The 5 Best Types of Boat Flooring MaterialsWood. It goes without saying that wood has been the material of choice for boat and ship builders for thousands of years. ... Linoleum or Vinyl. ... Specialty Paints. ... Canvas. ... Carpeting.
Can you use regular plywood on boat floor?
Cold molded boats are made all the time with strips of regular plywood protected by layers of fiberglass. As long as you glass them properly they will never be exposed to moisture and should be fine. You can use exteriior plywood. The glues are the same as in marine ply.
How do you repair rotted wood in a fiberglass boat?
If however, you choose to use this method, we recommend the following procedure:Drill a pattern of 3/16″ diameter holes over the rotted area. ... Dry the area thoroughly. ... Inject or pour resin/hardener mixture into the holes while the core is warm. ... Continue to add epoxy to the holes until the wood can no longer absorb more.More items...•
How thick should plywood be on a boat floor?
3/4 would seem plenty on a boat that size, it's usually 1/2 or 3/4. I used 3/4 on the floor of my CC it's very solid and is what I would use on your project.
What does a soft deck on a boat mean?
If you walk on your boat and notice a soft spot on the floor, it is a sign that the floor is damaged. In some cases, the damage spread underneath the boat floor surface. A soft floor is not just a safety hazard. It may also indicate that the boat could have structural water damage that you need to address immediately.
What is boat carpet?
Marine carpets are carpets that are designed especially for boats. This is advisable for all types of boats owing to their specific properties. There is no other safer or more durable alternative to marine carpets. The boat will be less slippery and provide safer adventure.
What is boat transom?
The cross-section of the stern, where you attach an outboard motor, is called the transom. On the top of the boat are metal fittings called cleats.
What to do if you have a soft spot on your boat?
When noticing a soft spot on your boat, you need to add more support to the structure to reinforce it as much as possible. The soft spots tend to be small enough at first, so you need to make sure that the overall surface you are working on allows you to apply the epoxy and fiberglass properly.
Why do boats have soft spots?
A soft spot in your boat can make your life miserable on board. It requires you to fix it as soon as possible so that further damage doesn’t occur. Boats are usually affected when you use them actively, suffering numerous stresses on their hull. Sagging and hogging are very common conditions of a boat and they can also be cumulative.
How to fix delamination on fiberglass boat?
Fiberglass delamination can be fixed by drilling small holes into the fiberglass surface of your boat. You can inject the materials you want, such as resin or other fillers, and a west system that dries and becomes solid rock protecting the fiberglass surface of your boat.
What are the conditions of a boat?
Sagging and hogging are very common conditions of a boat and they can also be cumulative. Although boats are specifically designed and structured in such a way to withstand use and abuse, the skin of the boat might respond to stresses and forces, developing soft spots. These damages can easily be repaired. The process is not long – it will take you ...
How to use epoxy on a boat?
2. Protect Yourself. Whenever working on a boat, especially when using epoxy, you should always wear gloves and mask. You should also have long sleeves and safety glasses and work in a ventilated area so that you do not suffer any shortness of breath. 3. Do Not Mix the Materials Before Use.
Do you need to cut a test hole on a boat?
Cut Test Holes. Probably slicing your boat is not something you really want to consider and for good reason. However, in some cases, you will need to cut an inspection hole when you see soft spots on the boat’s fiberglass.
Can you mix resin and hardener?
One thing you need to remember is that you have to avoid mixing the repair materials, such as the hardener or the resin, until you begin the repair process. These materials dry very fast so, if you mix them, you should use them right away. In the case you have a large area to cover, you should mix the materials in small batches and use them in smaller areas.
Is The Rot Worth Your Time
People who are just getting their feet wet (pun intended) when they Begin Boating, often look at “low cost of entry” boats. Those boats most likely come with issues. 90% of the problems I find with boats comes from prior neglect. While we can’t do anything about the previous neglectful owner, we do have to deal with the repercussions.
Different levels of Rot Require different Repairs
While the Sea Ray had been neglected for a long time and the boat’s floor rot was extensive, not every boat is going to be that bad. I’ve personally bought several boats with rotted floors since. Some were quick and easy repairs. A couple had stringers that started to rot on top. One was repaired without breaking the fiberglass skin.
What Are Your Rotten Circumstances
There are more ways to make repairs to a rotted boat floor, but it really does depend on what your goal is with the boat. Are you planning on keeping the boat for the rest of your life, or just making it last for a few more seasons.
A Great Rot Resource
A great resource that I have used is The Rot Doctor. He does sell products as well, but he also has very detailed ways of dealing with rot and the science behind it. He’s out of stock on CPES at the time of this writing, but the links above will get you great pricing on Amazon.
