1977 Seacraft Sceptre

htillman · #1 12-01-2007, 02:34 AM

Is the floor and hatches in this boat typically end grained balsa? This is what the foredeck is except in areas where the bowrail and cleats were fastened. Seems this material is not as proned to "wet rot" as the plywood. I am thinking of cutting a hatch to see what is in there and may do the same to the deck. The deck seems very solid as do the hatches and it appears they have not been redone or repaired. I have this boat almost completely apart and am in the process of reassembly. Any comments are welcome.

JohnB · #2 12-01-2007, 10:46 AM

IF there are not holes and cracks, and IF it was laminated completly, it holds up alot longer than plywood. On my fuel hatch, underneath, they missed laying some glass on the front edge, underneath, and water got in there. 90% of it was just fine after 20 years, but the front edge rotted, and was soft. Best thing to do is check with a moisture meater, if it's wet, the corring will separatte from the laminate, and it will weeken.

Islandtrader · #3 12-02-2007, 10:23 AM

Is a moisture meter the same type that a woodworker would use to check his stock. What is an acceptable reading (What do one of these things cost)?

JohnB · #4 12-02-2007, 02:18 PM

This is the one I use Moisture Meter.
It comes with calibration stock materials, and tells you % moisture, with a damp, moist, wet, settings. I have yet to have it give me a false reading, although it has some limitations. You can't use it through metal based bottom paints, and it will peg on ferrous materials inside the glass.
If anyone wants to check their boats out at Longpoint in the spring, I plan on being there, and will bring it with me. Just remember, it and I are only the messenger. I have had some people get upset, especially when I am surveying a boat for sale when I show them wet transoms, coring, and stringers.
Here is a good article on interpeting moisture meter readings article .

htillman · #5 12-03-2007, 12:07 AM

Thanks for the info, I am going to purchase a meter. I can use it for other things, are most Potter Seacrafts decks built with balsa coring or plywood. I found balsa on the foredeck but were items bolted on (cleats, bowrail) plywood. I am going to mount custom made tackle boxes to the deck and was interested in whether to I should go into the deck for inspections.

Islandtrader · #6 12-03-2007, 10:17 AM

Not cheap, however if it saves you from tearing up a whole deck,the price is worth it.
Thanks for the information.