Subject: Problem Areas in Plywood Boat
Date: Monday, February 10, 2020
Dear Rot Doctor,
I have discovered two problem areas in the plywood of my old runabout. The first area is behind the chine stringer on the Port side. An aftermarket fastener seems to have caused a split in this stringer. See photo “Split Stringer”. I have cut out this section of the stringer with the plan of scarfing in a Dutchman. Behind this section I discovered dryrot in the 3/8 in. plywood of the skin of the gunwale. See photo “Plywood Rot”. I have chiseled out the soft material from the plywood. Additionally, I have uncovered a spot of rotten plywood at the top of the transom on the port side. There is a smaller area on the opposite side in the same location. See photo “Transom Rot”. I’ve been reading many of the articles and testimonials you have posted. Naturally, I would like to avoid replacing 40% of my hull. What do you suggest?
Sincerely,
Dirk
Split Stringer
Plywood Rot
Transom Rot
Dirk,
It is a little hard for me to make out much detail. The images are fairly low resolution. However, what you are describing is pretty straightforward. Make sure the wood is dry. Soak it with the S-1 Sealer. After that dries, fill in the missing wood with a dutchman, or just epoxy resin, such as our General Purpose Epoxy Resin. You would want to thicken this with sawdust, or use it to wet out some fiberglass cloth. Then paint or varnish as desired.
Typically, the above alone will provide a structural repair. But it really depends on the severity and shape of the rot pockets. It is possible that some sistering or other reinforcement might be necessary.
I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have further questions.
Doc
