Another Starcraft question

[bigturk_80]

Guys,

I was browsing around on the Great Lakes Angler forum and saw some old post about a quick repair that can be made to a Starcraft Islander floor. Apparently, the floor slopes back slightly, and moisture gets caught in the back rear corners causing a bit of floor rot at the very rear of the boat. I'm noticing water collecting in this very area.

Does anyone know of this "quick repair" that can be made to the floor? I'm assuming there's a way to create a drainage of some kind back there that would counteract the problem.

My floors are solid, just showing a bit of softness now in the very rear corners. Want to get it corrected sooner than later.

[jeb1340]

I'm guessing the quick repair requires the use of a drill.

[Trolling82]

My guess is if you are already feeling softness, it's too late. That softness is the plywood delaminating and losing it's strength. Pull up the carpet in that area. You will be able to see the discoloration from moisture rotting the plywood. Cut as much out as needed until the plywood is showing no signs of delamination. I'm not sure what the back of your boat looks like, but I bet if you drilled a couple holes in the lowest spots, and plumbed in some pvc like a self bailing deck, it'd last you a long time. You'd have to look over your boat to find the best place to plumb it out to.

IMHO

[bigturk_80]

Ok, sounds good. Now, the small area that is starting to soften, if I cut the bad stuff out, can that be patched off with just a section of marine plywood?? Is the floor a bunch of smaller sections joined? I've never had the carpet up, and the boat is in original condition. Just hoping someone may know whether or not starcraft used large sections, or pieced it together.

[holy mackerel]

Check into a product called Git-rot and dig out the rotted area and replace with this product ( similar to fiberglass resin).

[Trolling82]

Probably be a good bet to contact a local marina or a starcraft dealer to get a professional opinion.

Here's some links that might help:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=252174

http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/sh ... hp?t=80740

http://www.thehulltruth.com/archive/t-10121.html

It appears these floors rot out all the time. From what it says about foam running right up to the floor, drilling holes won't work because you'll soak the foam. Probably be hard to plumb something in as well. I would replace the soft areas and chuck the carpet. You could put something on the new plywood instead of carpet that will be waterproof and allow any water buildup in that area to be either wiped up or air dried. Oh and I'd be concerned about the foam getting ruined from the moisture. Might not want to put it off forever. Hope this helps!