Wet wood rot in firewall

Delta Ron

Member
Jun 4, 2019
43
California Delta
Boat Info
1990 350 express cruiser
Engines
Twin 454 mercruiser, hurth transmissions
View attachment 70839 View attachment 70840 View attachment 70839 View attachment 70840 Hello all. I'm new to this site and have had our 350 express cruiser for 9 months now. I've found wet wood on the firewall, about a 12" x 12" area, from the cabin side. Above that area is good and solid. This is located behind the steps that lead into the cockpit area. The fiberglass and gel coat was untouched, but was sanding on it and saw areas pushing in. Our canvas is old and leaks in places, but I have no clue how water could get to this firewall. Especially without ME seeing any signs anywhere of water coming in. Could it be wicking up from somewhere else? Anyone encounter this? I'll read all replies and post a pic later today.
 

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There is a step down bilge pump in the engine room sump that is almost always wet. That would be a likely source if someone drilled a hole in the wall for some reason and did not seal it properly. A picture of both sides of the area you are concerned about would be useful if that can be done. On the forward side of the wall is a shower sump that migh be leaking. I would think you would notice that however. I owned a boat like yours for 9 years, and found it to be pretty solid from the rub rail down to the keel. We had other issues but no rot. Then again it was only nine years old when we sold it.
 
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I'll have pics in a couple hours. My next step is to take a look at that firewall near the forward bilge with a bright light and see if anything looks obvious. Thanks sbw1.
 
Another thing to consider is the possibility of a wet engine mount stringer which T's into that bulkhead. i.e make sure the wet area is limited to that bulkhead and does not continue into any adjacent structure.
 
Another thing to consider is the possibility of a wet engine mount stringer which T's into that bulkhead. i.e make sure the wet area is limited to that bulkhead and does not continue into any adjacent structure.

Hi bobeast, i went down there today with a bright light and banged around on the stringers, but mostly that bulkhead. I can go check the stringers better tomorrow. My suspicion all along was water coming from leaks in the canvas, it runs down the sides of where the glass rests on the gel coat. And from there, cant reall follow it, but after a rain i do get water in the front bilge. I did notice today what looked like water or something spilling near the vac for the waste system. Ill be putting a hard top on the boat soon which i hope will stop all water coming in. What still puzzles me is the wood above the afected area is all still solid. Behind the ice maker is good too. Thanks for your help, you think of anything else please tell. Ron
 

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View attachment 70740 There is a step down bilge pump in the engine room sump that is almost always wet. That would be a likely source if someone drilled a hole in the wall for some reason and did not seal it properly. A picture of both sides of the area you are concerned about would be useful if that can be done. On the forward side of the wall is a shower sump that migh be leaking. I would think you would notice that however. I owned a boat like yours for 9 years, and found it to be pretty solid from the rub rail down to the keel. We had other issues but no rot. Then again it was only nine years old when we sold it.
View attachment 70740 There is a step down bilge pump in the engine room sump that is almost always wet. That would be a likely source if someone drilled a hole in the wall for some reason and did not seal it properly. A picture of both sides of the area you are concerned about would be useful if that can be done. On the forward side of the wall is a shower sump that migh be leaking. I would think you would notice that however. I owned a boat like yours for 9 years, and found it to be pretty solid from the rub rail down to the keel. We had other issues but no rot. Then again it was only nine years old when we sold it.

Sbw1, the floor storage area where the shower sump is located is all dry. For the 9 months we've had the boat, haven't used the shower, ac only for a few minutes. I did go into that bilge area and knocked all around, especially the firewall/bulkhead. It all felt solid. I noticed what looked like evidence of liquid splashing around near the vac system. Makes me think its the rain water coming from up above. At this juncture think ill leave it open and dry, i removed another 3" by 12" peice today. Ill get my hard cover done and hopefully be done with water getting inside. Any other thoughts? Thank you.
 

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I wonder about that conduit that provides chafing protection and has the glob of silicon around it. Might want to see if there is a path for water to gain entry from above that. If so, water could be runnng down the inside of that conduit if it was not sealed at the top end of it. Hard to say what is happening as these leaks are maddeningly difficult to run down.
 
View attachment 70853 I wonder about that conduit that provides chafing protection and has the glob of silicon around it. Might want to see if there is a path for water to gain entry from above that. If so, water could be runnng down the inside of that conduit if it was not sealed at the top end of it. Hard to say what is happening as these leaks are maddeningly difficult to run down.

Ok sbw1, will scope that out further. Different topic, if you have any insights on making a hardtop, would like your inputthanks again
 
Ok sbw1, will scope that out further. Different topic, if you have any insights on making a hardtop, would like your inputthanks again

Sbw1, just looked at the pic and noticed the water supply hoses passing thru the bulkhead. I dont see signs of water there, but if there is any creeping out of those connections and running down the hoses, and then through the bulkhead, that would be another possibility. This site is great, and really dig your help and all others. Suggestions everyone gives, gets my gears going, helps me think of solutions. I did heavy equipment repair for 1st half of my career, a big ego wont get ya too far when it comes to asking for ideas. Every suggestion someone makes, i hop in the boat and take a look. Cheers
 

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