Many people don’t realize that fiberglass boats are not always constructed of all fiberglass. Most boats have a superstructure that is constructed of wood and then fiber glassed. Other boats have transoms and stringers constructed of wood for additional support where needed. If not properly constructed and maintained, dry rot problems may exist.
Dry Rot is a fungus that arises from wet wood. It only needs a small amount of water to gain a foothold and send out rhizomorphic runners in search of more moisture. It thrives in poorly ventilated areas, grows in temperatures above 40º Fahrenheit, and literally eats up the cellulose of its host, destroying the wood in the process. Unless stopped, the fungus can spread very quickly, causing the condition commonly referred to as “dry rot”.

Dry rot damage visible at the forward end of motor

Dry rot had spread thru stringers to transom and all motor mounts

New wood stringers fit and bonded into hull awaiting fiberglass

Interior work finished in gel coat ready to rig engines of motor locker

Interior work finished in gel coat ready to rig engines of motor locker

Exterior of transom refinished to match hull sides

Interior and floor removed. Rot damage in stringers

Stringers replaced with composite beams and Flotation installed

Plywood floor laminated into place

Boat ready for delivery

Boat as received.

Extensive dry rot damage apparent

Floor and interior removed

All wood removed and interior of hull ground smooth for rebuild

New stringers fabricated and installed

New stringers fabricated

Flotation foam to be removed

Completed boat ready for pickup