How To Repair The Soft Spot In Gulfstream Floor

A soft spot in the gunkhole flooring may seem like something innocent, but information technology requires immediate attention. Not merely tin can a soft spot expand and pose a serious injury hazard to anyone on board, simply information technology volition exist much easier to repair if it's limited to a bars space. Here'southward how to repair a soft spot in a gunkhole floor to foreclose any farther damage!

The Problem with a Soft Spot

Ane reason that soft spots in wooden gunkhole floors have such bad reputations amongst boat owners is that they tin be indicative of further deposition. So, let's start this with a caveat—if there's significant boat rot on your woods deck and some of it is showing upwards in the gunkhole floor, you have a major situation on your hands. You should take the boat thoroughly inspected and examined before you consider it seaworthy again.

Of course, every boat is different. That's why it's important to become an actress eye and investigate whether the soft spot is acquired by rot that may exist deeper into the boat than you know. If your soft spot is in fiberglass, however, it's possible to relieve.

Notice the Afflicted Area

A soft spot in a gunkhole floor can be surprisingly tricky to diagnose. We recommend borer around the soft spot with the dorsum-end of a screwdriver. If y'all hear a hollow audio, you'll take an thought if at that place's a weak area. When the audio becomes sharp and the material gives good feedback to the bear upon, you know that information technology'southward stronger. Yous can utilize a grease pencil to mark off the affected expanse.

Repairing the Soft Spot in Your Gunkhole Floor

If the trouble is due to fiberglass weakening, yous'll want to sand the affected surface area until the soft spot is noticeably lower than the surrounding area. In fact, in certain spots, you might sand all the way through the fiberglass.

If you lot use a fiberglass repair kit, you lot'll want to follow the given instructions—that usually means cutting fiberglass matting in the shape of the affected area.

If y'all're going the putty route, yous can fill the expanse with a resin-based putty until information technology's slightly higher than the surrounding areas. Then you'll need to give it ample time to cure, equally per the instructions. This will allow yous to sand down the putty, make full any remaining holes that may have occurred in the putty, and allow a new overnight cure—or every bit your putty's instructions dictate.

Take Care of Your Craft with BoatLIFE Products

Soft spots in your boat flooring are something to take seriously. That'due south why it's important to know how to repair a soft spot in a boat floor. If you don't address them, y'all could risk more impairment to your craft—or even decommission your boat entirely. Take care of your boat, and don't forget to browse our latest cleaning, sealing, and boat repair products to stay on top of any canoeing issues that may arise!