How long should a floor last?

[MN Shutterbug]

I looked at a 1987 Alumacraft this afternoon and the back of the floor had a sheet of plywood over the carpet. The salesman told me it must have a soft spot and he says that's pretty common for a boat of this age. Would this be true if the boat was shedded year round?

[fishnowworknever]

It doesn't take much for rot to start...water+carpet+wood is going to cause issues at some point. the deck should be replaced or at least cut out around the rot and sealed.

I dealt with some rot when I picked mine up...1990

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2899858/1

[Savage Brewer]

I bought a 1984 crestliner back in 1998, so it was only 14 years old at that time and in the first two years I replaced the floor due to rot and softness.

[h8go4s]

I looked at a 1987 Alumacraft this afternoon and the back of the floor had a sheet of plywood over the carpet. The salesman told me it must have a soft spot and he says that's pretty common for a boat of this age. Would this be true if the boat was shedded year round?

I'm no math whiz, but that's a 27-year old boat. If it had never been rained on and the carpeting was kept dry all 27 years it might be solid. But who never gets water in a boat?

[MuskieJunkie]

I'd say it common for a boat that's been neglected and/or left outside improperly.

If it's been dried out after use and stored indoors, Or even outdoors with a good cover and bow up/plug out it's not going to be a problem.

It's usually "just" a matter of replacing the deck on an aluminum boat, with a fiberglass boat that has wood stringers and transom it's death sentence.

[fishnowworknever]

I'd say it common for a boat that's been neglected and/or left outside improperly.

If it's been dried out after use and stored indoors, Or even outdoors with a good cover and bow up/plug out it's not going to be a problem.

It's usually "just" a matter of replacing the deck on an aluminum boat, with a fiberglass boat that has wood stringers and transom it's death sentence.

Death sentence or just a lot more work.

I wouldn't let a soft spot on the deck deter you..if you're ok with a saw you can replace it quite easily.