View Full Version : How to repair front bow area?
The bow area of my boat (84 Ranger 320V) the wood is getting soft around where my front seat is anchored. I am thinking I need to replace the entire floor in the front of the boat (this winters project). First off does anyone know where I could get a diagram (factory?). Where should I start? How would you cut it out? What type of wood would you use to replace it with? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
Evy,
Give the ranger a call and talk to the customer support staff.
I assume that your ranger is glass?
If so, it is quite possible that the front floor has been glassed into the bow section of the boat.
If so, the repair procedure will be different than if the floor had been screwed or bolted into the boat.
Good luck
REW
Thanks REW. I was hoping you would reply. Yes, it is a fiberglass boat and the front is fiberglass covered.
hogridnfool
10-28-2009, 10:49 PM
I have removed the entire deck from a fiberglass boat (Glastron-Carlson CVX16D) to gain access to the bilge area and it was a fairly easy job. Just pull up the carpet and cut around the perimeter and lift the piece out. In your case, if you are going to replace the entire foredeck you will need marine grade plywood. Its expensive, around $50 for a 4x8 sheet. If your foredeck is just soft around the pedestal base you might want to try a quick-slick repair. Get a piece of exterior grade plywood (about 1/5 the cost of marine grade) that is around 1 1/2 ft x 2 ft or larger, which would be better, and cut a hole in it to match the base hole in your existing deck then wrap the piece with matching marine carpet and fasten it to the deck with stainless wood screws, attach the pedestal base and the job is done. If you would rather go the whole deck replacement route just post a reply and I might be able to give you a few tips.
Good Luck!
Well this time I will do before and after pics. Proabably be some time in December before I get started. The area I really need to do is 3' x 3'. Ill post pics asking for help once I get in to it up to my neck.