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. ...
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 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.
Can a rotted boat floor be repaired?
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. Lets say you have a 1994 19′ Bayliner Capri Bowrider.
Why do wooden boat floors have a bad reputation?
One reason that soft spots in wooden boat floors have such bad reputations amongst boat owners is that they can be indicative of further degradation. So, let’s start this with a caveat—if there’s significant boat rot on your wood deck and some of it is showing up in the boat floor, you have a major situation on your hands.
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 soft spot in the deck of a boat?
3:5512:41MAS Epoxies Fixing Soft Deck Part 1&2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto any structure on the boat a deck is a structural repair I like to use epoxy resin versusMoreInto any structure on the boat a deck is a structural repair I like to use epoxy resin versus polyester resin you're going to get a much stronger repair.
How do you repair a fiberglass boat floor?
8:3523:35How to: Repair Fibreglass Boat Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut our epoxy fill down with blue and fill it in filler feels. So nice thick creamy peanut butterMorePut our epoxy fill down with blue and fill it in filler feels. So nice thick creamy peanut butter with we're blaster or we put a coat of resin on them to the side of our ply.
How do you repair rotted floor in a boat?
2:138:28Cheap fix for a rotten boat floor (Part 1 of 2) Installing new plywoodYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this plywood is all three quarter-inch pressure-treated. It's the boat the floor was reallyMoreAnd this plywood is all three quarter-inch pressure-treated. It's the boat the floor was really quite good it was just soft in one spot. The size of maybe twice the size of a cigarette package.
What do soft spots on a boat deck mean?
It apears the soft spots are between the top fiberglass deck and the bottom side of the floor that meets the stringers. Basically saying the material between the fiberglass top and the bottom side of the deck is worn away. Some spots are worse than others.
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...•
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.
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?
3:2514:39Boat Transom and Floor Rebuild - Using the Epoxy ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd pour some epoxy resin into this little joint there's probably about maybe my thumbnail on thatMoreAnd pour some epoxy resin into this little joint there's probably about maybe my thumbnail on that side I just want to make sure it penetrates. Down into that little crevice.
How do I know if my boat floor is rotten?
0:228:54How To Fix A Rotten Soft Spot In Your Boat's Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd all sudden. You can feel it flexing up and down underneath the carpet. This is usually the caseMoreAnd all sudden. You can feel it flexing up and down underneath the carpet. This is usually the case where the plywood. That's in the floor has gotten rotten.
What kind of plywood do I need to replace boat floor?
Marine plywood is a great sheet material that can be easily cut using both hand saws and basic power tools. Marine plywood is often used to build boat interiors and to replace flooring during boat renovations.
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 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.
How do you seal plywood on a boat floor?
How To Waterproof Plywood For A BoatApply a Wood Filler. In some cases, plywood doesn't have a smooth surface, so a wood filler is needed. ... Sand Down the Plywood. ... Clean the Surface of the Plywood. ... Apply a Wood Sealant. ... Use Clear Epoxy to Coat the Plywood. ... Apply a Spray-On or Paint.
Can glue injection fix rotten core?
Injection does not arrest the underlying cause of the problem, which is probably moisture intrusion, leading to rot in balsa and plywood cores and freeze-thaw damage of foam cores. Unless you fix the leak, the problem will recur within a few years, or perhaps by spring if it freezes.
How do I use Injectadeck?
0:108:38Injectadeck Installation for large areas or small boat deck soft spotsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are two ways to do this one you can drill all the way through the wood or the other way isMoreThere are two ways to do this one you can drill all the way through the wood or the other way is just drill through the surface of the fiberglass.
What is the lifespan of a fiberglass boat?
How Long Do Fiberglass Boats Typically last? Fiberglass boats can be sound and seaworthy for up to fifty years or more. Fiberglass is very durable, and with proper maintenance and care, fiberglass boats can last for many decades. Fiberglass itself will not break down but instead will break down due to outside factors.
How do I know if my fiberglass boat is rotten?
4:408:55Checking the Stringers...is it ROTTEN???? | Boat From Hell #2YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can tell that the lamination is completely coming apart. It's it's rotted all the way throughMoreYou can tell that the lamination is completely coming apart. It's it's rotted all the way through and your strength lies in your fiberglass.
Can a fiberglass hull rot?
Fiberglass won't rot but it will get brittle from UV exposure. That's why it's usually protected with a coat of paint or gelcoat.
How do you repair a sailboat 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.
How do you fix soft spots on a Hobie Cat?
1:0811:03Fixing a very soft deck on a Hobie Cat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea i've cleaned it with some acetone. And then i've just pretty much covered it in masking tape.MoreArea i've cleaned it with some acetone. And then i've just pretty much covered it in masking tape.
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 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.
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 ...
What can you inject into a fiberglass 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. This is a highly recommended material among the savvy boaters and sailors.
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.
Can you use polyurethane paint on a boat?
Epoxy and other materials of that kind are ideal for relatively smaller areas but , if you have a large area of repair, you should use polyurethane paint because it offers a more durable finish. Once the repair is done you will need to wash the boat surface from the remains of the materials you use.
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.
