Soft Floor?

[Tashmoo2]

The 18 footer I am currently working on had rot around the center console floor. Water entered the screws that held the console to the floor and eventually made it to the balsa core. I am sure riping out the entire deck was an overkill but it seemed logical to do because the transom was wet and my stringers had water in them. The installers of the liner had to cut top off both rear stringers but never bothered to cover them.
Bilge water got high enough water in to reach top. Eventually water worked its way all the way forward. the oher reason I replaced floor was to remove the useless aft fish hold..

I agree that normally the main reason is to raise deck. I did not because there would be little freeboard left.