rot inside the cabin sides

[Found at Sea]

I have a 1974 CT 41 with a typical problem of internal liquefied plywood in locations near the port lights on the cabin sides. A tobacco juice looking substance leaches through small cracks near soft spots. What is the recommended fix for this sort of problem short of completely tearing off the side of the cabin and rebuilding it. Is the injection of resin into the soft areas effective? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Wotname]

The only fix that works is to remove the rotten plywood and replace it with new marine grade plywood.

Any other "fix" is simply deferring the problem and it just gets worse.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

[redsky49]

[QUOTE=Wotname;1793771]The only fix that works is to remove the rotten plywood and replace it with new marine grade plywood."

Maybe, maybe not. Depends on the extent of the damage. If minor, perhaps you can scarf in a replacement, or just gouge out the damage and refinish. It will not be easy, regardless.

Have you stopped the leaking? That is critical and the first step.

There are penetrating epoxies that might be helpful.

Is there some way you could re-trim around the ports and use that as an "architectural" feature?

Should be lots of ways to address. Use some imagination.

Good luck!

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by Wotname

The only fix that works is to remove the rotten plywood and replace it with new marine grade plywood.

Any other "fix" is simply deferring the problem and it just gets worse.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

Yes, this is really the correct way, if the inner skin can be removed, then just do it.
The mold will drive you nuts and if you EVER consider resale, then it's a Known problem, in these vessels.


Sent from my iPad SV Cloud Duster

[Lepke]

redsky49 has it right. You have to find and fix the source of the leaks before anything else. Then dry the wood and kill any mold. If you decide to use epoxy, the wood has to be dry throughout.
The proper way is splice in new wood.

[Boatyarddog]

It would be silly not to have fixed the leaks first before attempting to repair damaged areas. No point to it.
Side cabin walls, have little load bearing issues,but do support as a stiffener to the wall for fixed or opening ports.
If the inner liner is one piece, and the stiffening panel is behind, you'll heed to find the best place to slice it open and peel it off in sections, you can then reattach it later to the new panel by gluing screwing or re glassing the seam.
Then trim out with wood strips or paint.


Sent from my iPad SV Cloud Duster