How do you fix soft spots on a boat?
3 min read
Asked by: Christopher Busby
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.
How do you fix a soft spot on a hull?
Use the resin-based putty to fill in the depression or hole, working the putty into the depths of the damaged area carefully with the small-blade putty knife; use the large-blade putty knife to fill in the rest of the damage.
What causes a soft spot on a boat?
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.
Can glue injection fix rotten core?
Not perfect, but it may work for just a few holes. It is easy. If the core was plywood or balsa, there is still some rot in progress and you’ll be back in a few years. If the core was foam and the damaged area is small, maybe you’re done.
How do I use Injectadeck?
There 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.
How do you fix soft spots on fiberglass boat?
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.
How do you fix a soft spot on a fiberglass hull?
Follow These Steps for a DIY Boat Floor Repair
- Step 1: Mark the Weak Area. …
- Step 2: Apply Acetone to Surface. …
- Step 3: Wax the Floor Hole Surface. …
- Step 4: Pre-Cut the Fiberglass. …
- Step 5: Color-Match the Gel Coat. …
- Step 6: Mix the Gel Coat to Harden. …
- Step 7: Allow the Fiberglass to Cure.
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.
Do fiberglass boats 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 I know if my boat floor is rotten?
If you have been around boats for a long time you will start to understand the correct “pitch” fiberglass should make when it is dry and solid and you tap on it. Good solid fiberglass makes a high pitched sound… If there is any rotten wood in there it will make a “thud” sound which is lower pitched.
How long do fiberglass boats last?
Fiberglass Boats Last 10 – 25 Years And Up. On average, fiberglass boats last around 10 to 25 years. But, the life span can vary from 3 years to as high as 50 years, depending mainly on how often the boat is subjected to regular maintenance and where it is used saltwater, brackish waters, or normal water.
How much does it cost to replace deck on boat?
The cost depends on the level of damage and the square footage of the deck requiring replacement. A boat deck replacement can be done partially or in its entirety. Boats ranging from 18 to 25 feet will fall in the range of 3,000 to 10,000 dollars for a complete deck overhaul.
