possible 74 , 23' purchase question

[provb28]

Currently looking at a 23 center 1974 . single engine. tank replaced 2016 all hatches redone. my only issue right now is 2 soft spots on each side of the console. Is anyone familiar with the stringer system on this boat and do you think the soft spots have caused any water intrusion in the stringers around this area or could it just be isolated? the other thing that concerns me is that the owner has had this boaqt in the water for the last 3 months.
besides this soft spot issue so far its the best one ive found on the market without having to break the bank to make the move. any information would be great. Im not scared of having to repair the deck even if i have to rip the whole thing off ive done it before on Aquasports. Stringers is a whole other issue ive never tackled and not cheap.

[PackRat]

My experience with soft coring is that if it is soft (rotten) in decent areas, you can almost bet all or most of the rest is wet especially on a 45 year old boat if untouched. Its possible that could be a patch job though- moisture meter or exploratory holes through outer skin can help answer that. If you commit to replacing the deck/ sole then the stringers aren’t horrible and exploratory holes on those as well down low against the hull will tell you if the foam is saturated. Both of the Seacrafts (‘74 and ‘75)I have worked on sor far had foam that was soaked in about the bottom two inches ...but this one may not be? If you decide to remove the wet foam, seems most have cut open the top and left about a 1-2 inch border around the top surfaces. Dig out foam. Repour new foam . Shape foam flush on top . Glass over the tops and down the sides a few inches. Structuraly would think the stringers are fine if the foam is wet. Just lugging around a lot of water weight....and potential for freeze damage if in cold climate.

[uncleboo]

When I decided to recore the deck in my 18, I had a 6" dia. soft spot to the starboard side of the console. When I cut the floor out and checked the coring, it was wet from front to back. There's a pic on my 'deck replacement' thread.

[jorgeinmiami]

With my 20 I had the same soft spots next to the console. A small job turned to a full rehab

Don’t be afraid and jump in the waters fine...lol

The end results are worth it

[kmoose]

An unmolested hull of that vintage needs deck and cap coring and a transom. Just the way it is.

Good motivation to dig in is to go to a boat show and price an offshore capable boat and then go to a SeaCraft Gathering.