Rotting Support Members. Repairable?

[bjanakos]

I have some vertical support beams that are located under the aft deck. They are the ones that attach to the fuel tank supports. There are glassed in except for 6" at the bottom (why on earth this part was left exposed is beyond me). I am making a call to my marine mechanic... Although he is engines and running gear, he knows his way around structures. But I figured I would offer up the idea to the brain trust.

I have concerns with these passing a survey and I am curious of the extent of repair. I figure there are 3 possible options...

1. Cut out the lower portion of rotting wood, cut and fit a new piece of treated wood, epoxy in place.
2. See above and include bracing on either side.
3. Remove entire structure member and re-gless an entire new piece.

I wish I had better photos, but they did not come out with the lack of light. I'll have to bring a better light on my next trip this week.

[ready123]

Go with 3) and you will be trouble free... the transom needs the support from those braces.

[bjanakos]

Go with 3) and you will be trouble free... the transom needs the support from those braces.

I forgot option 4 - Sell...

These aren't the transom supports. They are a bit forward, right about where the fuel tank starts.

[ready123]

Go with 3) and you will be trouble free... the transom needs the support from those braces.

I forgot option 4 - Sell...

These aren't the transom supports. They are a bit forward, right about where the fuel tank starts.

Vertical? Are they supports for the Aft deck then? Photo would help.

[mikeandanne]

Maybe he is talking about the two that are just forward of the lazarette hatch, that are bolted to the underside of the deck....at least mine are and they are just wood no glass....Mike

[bjanakos]

Maybe he is talking about the two that are just forward of the lazarette hatch, that are bolted to the underside of the deck....at least mine are and they are just wood no glass....Mike

The ones that are just port/starboard to those. I'll get some pics later this week.

[bjanakos]

Perhaps I am wrong... I think this is on the transom. Hanging upside down in the lazarette hatch in 0 degree weather can play with ones mind... I stuck my head down there to inspect a rotting bulkhead problem (under the sliding glass door) that the salon floor support is attached to.



There is also a plywood support that has a similar issue.



I wish the photos were better and bigger...

[bjanakos]

I just answered my own question...

I tracked down the person who performed the most recent survey on this vessel and he recalls the situation. He suggested that I start at the bottom and work my way up until I get into good wood, then make a an "S" shaped scarf joint and epoxy a new pice of wood in place. Once that's set, re-glass the area.

I have never attempted any serious fiberglass work before so I will be sure to document this project.

[prowlersfish]

That should work fine

[Big D]

.....an "S" shaped scarf joint.....

Trojan did their stringers the same way but they had a bolt going through the joint. The longer the scarf/joint the better/stronger it will be. Do at least an 8 to 1 ratio. So if the piece is 1" thick, do a minimum 8" long scarf. Wet out both halves of the scarf with epoxy, then add thickened epoxy on the mating surfaces of the joint and clamp together but not so tight that you squeeze everything out. The wood must be completely dry or forget about using epoxy. When done right, that joint will be the strongest part of the entire piece.