How to Avoid a Rotted Boat Floor

Preventing rot is one of the challenges facing the owner of a wooden boat, and areas such as the floor, or deck, are particularly vulnerable. Unlike metal or fiberglass, wood is naturally biodegradable. Constant exposure to the elements hastens this process. Areas of the boat that are exposed regularly to both air and damp – such as the deck and below decks – are more prone to rotting. In fact, many wooden boats rot from the inside out. To prevent this problem, you need to perform regular maintenance, store the boat in a well-ventilated area and keep your boat treated and painted.

Things You'll Need

  • Scrub brush
  • Boat paint
  • Anti-rotting treatment (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the boat dry. That is, any boat surface that is regularly exposed to air should be kept drained and as dry as possible, since the combination of moisture and air is what causes rot. The areas below the waterline won’t rot, since immersion in water protects the wood from air exposure. Especially make sure to drain all water out of the bilge – the bottom inside of the boat. During the season, while your boat is on the water, make sure your boat cover is sturdy enough to stand up to the elements and is ventilated so moisture does not get trapped underneath. In the off-season, wherever you shelter the boat – be it in a boat house, shed or garage – ensure there is adequate ventilation and the space is not too hot, since this could cause the boat to dry out and promote cracking.

    • 2

      Clean the boat. Perform regular inspection and maintenance. Scrub the deck after each hard use, removing deposits and organic material that promote rotting. Keep debris out of the inside of the boat.

    • 3

      Paint, repair and treat the boat deck. You must keep the boat painted and caulked. Regularly inspect the boat for damage, and repair any cracks or pulled-apart areas. Scrupulously maintain the painted finish on your boat, touching up areas where paint has worn off. Take special care with the deck, which is more prone to decay due to exposure to the elements. Some boat owners apply a commercial anti-rotting preparation to the wood as added insurance.