Soft Floor?

[TooFly]

I found a soft spot in the deck that crackled when I purposely exerted pressure on it. As far as I can tell, nowhere else but the fuel tank cover seems suspect. What's the likelihood the the entire main deck is rotting? Or will I not know until it's ripped out?

Thanks,
Paul

[strick]

Usually the hatch covers are the first to go. Of the five seacrafts that I have purchased only one had a bad deck. And that was only in one spot.

strick

[TooFly]

Thanks, Strick. You think spot repairs of the deck will most likely suffice?

So the main reason everyone rips the floor out of these boats is to raise the floor height?

[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.

[Bigshrimpin]

Fix the spot . . . I've seen too many floors ripped out for no good reason. It's a big waste of material unless you need to do it.

[strick]

So the main reason everyone rips the floor out of these boats is to raise the floor height?

Yes and No. Most will rip the floor out because it's bad and then raise it while their at it.

strick