Soft Step to Helm on Sailfish

[Jonah]

Hi all,

As in the attached photo, I recently noticed a soft spot developing in the step up to the helm on my ‘95 Sailfish 272. I am sure there are other threads on how to repair a soft spot, so please feel free to just point me there.

Anyone ever had one in this spot? And any advice on how to access the underside? Cannot get there via livewells on either side.

 

[DennisG01]

I don't know your boat too well and can't quite tell if that is the "step" to the helm or the actual helm floor. BUT, you know your boat well -- Can you access that area from the cabin? Possibly from the fuel tank coffin? That's if you want to do the repair from the bottom to keep the topside looking the same (the easiest way... if it's possible to do it).

As far as from the topside, there's a number of options from skinning the non-skid off and then replacing it to just glassing some mat down on top of the existing or a thin piece of plywood (for example). Those last examples are not specific to Grady and googling around will find you plenty of reading material. Searching on this site will get you some DIY's, as well.

 

[Jonah]

Thanks Dennis,

Yes, this is the step up to the floor, and not the helm floor itself. Good point about the tank coffin; I will check that. From the aft cabin I see no easy access.

If I take the approach of repairing from below, what are some standard approaches? Just screwing in a slab of wood or starboard, to support from below?

Thanks again,
Syman

 

[Fishtales]

Once you determine what is under it, I would remove as much as I could with a clean cut. The wood backing can be removed out, keeping as much of the glass as you can. Likely a new layer on the back side and then cut a new backer board out of marine plywood and glass it in. You'll likely have to manage the thickness to sit on the frame underneath and install flush. There is a thread on the topside diamond pattern if you want to re-do. You may get access under it if you remove the cockpit deck over the fuel tanks. If so you should be able to glass the underside. I've seen the west system used before with good results. Check this site and thehulltruth.com for some boat rebuild threads. Plenty of ideas and know how.

 

[DennisG01]

There's a couple thoughts going through my head, but let's see what kind of access you have, first. FYI, it's "possible" that you may have to remove the fuel tank to access this area. But, again, not being on the boat and physically seeing it makes it hard to say for sure. But removing the deck hatch is easy enough so you can at least take a look - maybe with the help of a mirror on a stick or a snake cam or your cell phone... just don't drop it!

Back in the cabin... if you're positive that there's no access, then a possibilty may be to MAKE an access point by cutting a hole and installing a deck plate... possibly a larger, rectangular one.

 

[Jonah]

Thanks everyone,

I'll look into this further and report back. Always helpful to get some insight from this forum before I start.

 

[Jonah]

Hi all,

This turned out to be much simpler than I thought. I realized that the carpeted back wall in my aft cabin had a panel on it, with only two screws. I removed it, and voila—perfect access (photo attached).

It would appear, from the increase in thickness around the step, that Grady already included some kind of extra support for this area. I might write to them and ask, using the photo as illustration.

Fishtales has offered some advice, but it might be a little bit beyond my expertise (or beyond my amount of free time!). I'm thinking I might find a way to just brace the underside of the step with something that goes down to the glassed-over wood below, which seems to be the ceiling to the fuel tank.

Will report back when I have a plan.

 

[Jonah]

p.s. Just realized that I accidentally posted this in the "Tips, Modifications, and Electronics" section. Anyone know how to move it over to "General Discussion"?

 

[Jonah]

Solved ... for now.

I don't have the knowledge or time to do a proper job repairing and re-glassing the step. The sag was minimal, so I'm mainly interested in preventing it from getting any worse.

First, I used some creeping-crack glue to seal up the hairline cracks on the surface.

Then, through the rear panel of the aft cabin, I laid a 1" thick, 12"x15" plank of wood over the top of the tank compartment. I did the same 9" above, on the underside of the step. Wedged between those two planks are five 8" long, 1"x2" pegs, which serve as little pillars, holding the upper plank firmly against the underside of the step.

Nothing fancy or permanent, but it will allow me to use the step without increasing the sag that seemed to be the result of age and cracks. Feels firmer underfoot now.