Rot around thru-deck fittings (waste and fuel plates)

Codger · Post by **Codger** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:34 am

When I removed the pumpout deck plate and also the fuel fill plate, I noticed that the wood inside the deck is really rotted out. I don't know how far it spreads from the opening for these fittings. The fitting are located on the walkaround sides of the deck.

Even though I see the wood in these areas is rotted out and basically mush, the deck does not flex when walking on it to get to the front of the boat. Everything seems solid. Maybe the outer fiberglass layer is thick enough on these boats that even with the wood rotted, it is still pretty strong.

Question is whether or not to worry about it. I will be sealing these holes up to hopefully prevent anymore water from getting in there, but should I also be doing something to repair it? Shoot some expanding foam in there or something?

Thanks for any tips.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:06 pm

I guess that would depend on how deep the Rot is.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:35 pm

If it's wet, it will remain so when you seal it up, and may spread. If you repair at an early stage, you'll minimize the work/expense. If you can get under the area, it's probably the best place to make the repair. No need to deal with matching/spaying gel etc.