soft floors

[ocbthree]

I have just bought a 28 parker center console (93). I have some soft areas around the console. I want to know about the actual construction in order make the repairs. Anyone ever remove the floors?

Is this a common problem?

 

[Megabyte]

No, not a common problem.
Most likely due to a previous owner mounting items to the deck, and not sealing them properly.

As for the structure underneath the deck, give the factory a call and give them your HIN. They should be able to help.
252-728-5621

Search the projects section for similar repairs.
If the areas are small, there are alternatives to cutting the deck.
Either way, it's not a difficult repair.

 

[DaleH]

I have just bought a 28 parker center console (93). I have some soft areas around the console.

Couple thoughts ...

-Models of '92 vintage were builts with the downside of the floor only coated with poly-based resin, not glassed as newer models are.

-ALL boats, regardless of Mfg'r, were pretty much built this way until makers started fully encapsulating the deck in frp

-Find out where the water to the deck core was coming from, was it from the screws into the deck holding down the console itself? Or from any other hardware installed onto the floor, e.g., T-Top, etc. Or see below.

-ALL boats will "sweat from within", that's why I'm such a religious fanatic about venting my bilge., but hey, I grew up on wood boats and that was THE way to make them last long!

FWIW here's what I do with the rear inspection port to my cockpit deck, to allow venting and moisture to escape: viewtopic.php?t=345

-When not in use, make sure to open any deckplate under your CC that goes to the bilge and consider adding a few louvered vents to the sides of the console so fresh air can circulate to/from there and from the bilge area. Whereas I have a cabin, I also leave open ALL of the deck plates in the cabin when not in use and I have a dorade box mounted on the cabin top so there's always fresh air circulating, and venting, whenever there is a breeze.

-Soft spots are failry easy to repair, cut out to good wood, scarf good wood or make shelf for new section and install as new. Re-glass the floor.

-For a look at a Parker CC hull ripped apart and repaired, see here: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10079

 

[windknotnc]

Dale makes good points on allowing air to circulate under the floor. I keep my floor hatches open when stored for this very reason. In regards to soft spots it depends on how big they are and where they are located. If you post a picture showing the locations I am sure you will get some guidance. In regards to stringer construction, the best bet is to call Parker and get a pdf of the stringer layout on your hull. Provide them your hull ID# and that is all that is needed.

 

[cpenrose278]

When we FINALLY get a boat i think i might do that Dale. You're defintetely overflowing with begginers advice :mrgreen:

 

[ocbthree]

Thanks for the link and the pictures. I think mine is soft from the acces for the fuel tank. not the t-top screws. Do you think the stringers are in the same location on a 28?

 

[windknotnc]

I am not sure, but I suspect the box construction is very similar. How soft is it? If you tap on the spots is it mushy or mostly hard? Can you step on them and they give? Do the soft spots connect to one another in a consistent pattern that outlines the tank box? You should probe the stringers at the stern via the access hatch to see if there is rot in that area. Again pictures would be helpful.

 

[ocbthree]

Yea its soft over the tank not too big of an area. I am thinking obout recoating the entire floor with glass and matt then applying an entire fininsh with a chopper gun.the boat has a bracket and twins

 

[Bryan 2530]

Yea its soft over the tank not too big of an area. I am thinking obout recoating the entire floor with glass and matt then applying an entire fininsh with a chopper gun.the boat has a bracket and twins

Before you do that, you need to remove the rotten wood.

 

[windknotnc]

Bryan is correct...any work you do on the surface is wasted if you don't fix the rot. I assure you it will get worse quick and the dollars spent will be wasted.