Squishy cockpit sole

[druid]

Of the many things that are "kinda wrong" with my 1976 Ontario 32, the cockpit sole is a bit "squishy" - If I step on it after it's been rained on, there's a bit of a squishy-water sound. It doesn't feel like I'm going to break through it any time soon, but I'm thinking...
Should I cut it out and replace the wood (probably 3/4" ply) and re-glass? For one thing, that big hole would make it a lot easier to replace the engine, stuffing-box, and fuel tank. I've done this sort of thing before (built a few boats...) so I'm fairly confident I could do a good job, at least from a structural point of view (may not be able to get the gelcoat to match...)
Comments?

druid

 

[Ken Cross]

It sounds like you already have a plan. You can always paint the gelcoat, or even paint on some nonskid.
You may need to investigate how the water got in there.

Ken

 

[kappykaplan]

druid, I had my cockpit sole redone in Aug 2015, but my access to the engine is from the salon. That said, we didn't go with plywood, we went with marine foam. In addition to the cockpit being much firmer, the foam seems to add some sound deadening properties to the engine noise. Don't know if my repair on a Pearson 37 would be similar to your Ontario.

 

[druid]

Hmmmm... interesting point. I'm more comfortable working with plywood than foam, but you're right - the foam may add some sound deadening. I'll consider it...

druid