Tell me it's an easy Fix

[Z260]

When replacing the trolling motor battery in my new used boat I noticed a wet spot on the floor where a screw had been. I pressed on it and some water came up. I pressed alittle harder and broke thru. It's almost a perfect dime size circle and the wood around it seems to be solid just moist. I removed the battery tray and checked the remaining screws and a few showed water when pressed on. All wood around the area seems very solid. Is the fix to drill out the holes to good wood and fill with an epoxy of sorts?

Thanks,

Ron

[Rollo331]

I don't like what i am hearing..i think i would cut the area out on one of them with a hole saw...You can cut another plug from good wood and stick it in and a little bit of resin and fix it....
I would fear the foam is saturated with water more than anything.....generally they shoot foam under all of them areas. cut the bad one out and look!

[ProcraftMike]

Follow Rollo's advise. Do it right the first time, or you will always wonder what is under the "patch work". You can cover it up and hide it, but the water problem will still be there and only make things worse in the future.

[Z260]

So use a 1 1/2 inch hole saw to drill the area out and inspect the surrounding wood and foam condition. If the foam is wet should I try and remove the wet foam to find dry or will it all be wet (sponge effect) and be a waste of time? Any thing special or signs that I should look for?

Thanks for everyones help. Suggestions and tips are always welcomed.

Ron

[cyclone70]

I f the foam is waterlogged it will not dry out on it's own unless you have a few years.
You'll have to dig it out and repour new foam back in.
Once you dig it out you can see what shape the wood is in.
Once the foam is out the wood can dry.
Then you have to make sure that water can't find it's way back in again after repairs are made.
Sounds like it's gonna be some work.

[knowphish]

What kind of boat?

[Z260]

1996 Hydra-Sports Z260