Deck on cuddy needs some support.

[frayed_knot]

You know the only cleat on the bow? Well, one time I got back from running the Frayed Knot (when she was still running), and I noticed thet the deck was sunk down about an inch under that cleat and hung up under the mount. I wiggled the cleat assy and it popped back up. The cleat is mounted on a threaded rod that attaches to the eye bolt mount in the bow, and is very solid. The deck however seems to be, well, not so solid around the cleat/threaded rod assembly. I reckon the plywood under the gel coat is rotten, or just wore out, and the screws that go down through the cleat into it have nothing to grab on to to hold it up. Any words of wisdom on how best to fix this? I was thinking about using a piece of 1/8" aluminum plate about 3" square to use as a backing plate and run machine screws all the way through with some washers and nuts. But I think replacing a section of ply is a more permanent and proper fix. Any input is much appreciated.

Glenn

I'll get pics if you really want them, but it may have to wait until this weekend.

[reelapeelin]

If it's sunken, then you'll have to block it back into place from under-side...then use this and remove the blocking...

http://boatlife.com/productsdetail.cfm?recordID=20&cat=WMR


Important you let it DRY OUT, but just follow the instructions and this stuff'll do it ;) ...

Oh yeah...popped back up...forget the blocking ::) ...

[macojoe]

Well if its that rotted I don't think that stuff is going to work.

From under in the cabin, you will have to take a drill with a 1/4 bit and drill a few hole (not all the way thur) to see were you have good wood.

Bad wood will be like dirt, good wood will be clean.

After ou find how far around the cleat is rotted you can draw a square around and cut it out. This will leave the top skin in place.

Now take one or two 3/4 ply and coat it with resin to water proof it. screw cleat into the new wood, this will hold the wood in place, then you can reglass the bottom to the top and you good to go.

Thats what I would do.

[frayed_knot]

I suppose I should just get up in there and pull the carpeting down and see what I really have. The carpet lining could really be replaced anyway.

Now for the newbie question, how would I go about cutting it out without damaging the fiberglass above it? Methinks a sawzall is overkill...but that's why I ask the questions ;D.

[macojoe]

small skill saw set like 1/2 inch to start, or just measure how thick it is when you remove the cleat. Measure the top side glass, - that from the total thickness and then set the saw cut away!!

[frayed_knot]

Maybe I can talk the admiral into buying me one of those roto-zip thingies. I believe I can set the depth on that. Woo-hoo...new tools! ;)

[parishht]

I have and use my roto-zip on many projects.
One of the best tools I have bought myself.
Very versatile, the only thing I forget to watch for nails
in wood that I am cutting, nails dull the cutters in an instant,
then you just burn wood.
I have an old house and it works great on fixes and mods.

[reelapeelin]

Now for the newbie question, how would I go about cutting it out without damaging the fiberglass above it? Methinks a sawzall is overkill...but that's why I ask the questions ;D.

Well that's why I mentioned the Git Rot above...look into that closer, cause you won't have to cut it out...that stuff is VERY STRONG and forms a structural-strength core encapsulating all the rotted wood (gotta be dry)...take a good look...I think it'll do a great job and save you lots of time & $$$$ ...
;) ...

[frayed_knot]

Thanks RAP, I'll definately look into it, I plan on working on the ol' crate this weekend. I'll take a closer look for sure. I might even snap a pic or three. ;)

[frayed_knot]

Upon closer inspection, it doesn't appear to be rot, just lack of support. I think I will just remove the cleat / threaded rod assy and bore a hole in a 6"X6" plate of aluminum, put the threaded rod through that inside the cuddy and snug her up with a nut and washer. That will hold her up. I bet we could probably dance on it after that. Thanks for the input guys!