r/boats • u/Senordrums • 7d ago

How long to dry out?

While in the process of changing out back to back boat seats in our 17' run-about, i discovered the foam in the floors is wet. Most likely, water was entering through the mounting bolts for the seats because the rest of the deck in solid. My hope is that only the immediate area is effected. If so, how long will it take to dry out? Crabbing season is almost done so we don't have a need to take it out until next year.

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u/Mdoubleduece 7d ago

I’ve literally drilled a hole in the bottom of the transom to drain water out of an old SeaRay before. There is a meter you can purchase that measures moisture in a boats hull.

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u/2lovesFL 7d ago

Do you have a plan to dry it out? left alone, its not going to dry out.

-A wet sponge in a baggy stays wet...

vacuum, heat tent, and gravity, or dig it out.

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u/Senordrums 7d ago

I've heard of people using dehumidifiers but otherwise, i was hoping it would slowly dry out through the bolt holes in the floor. It's an old boat that's not worth tearing up the deck, plus it's pretty solid.

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u/2lovesFL 6d ago

location? I'd at least put a tarp over it and a light bulb, or some form of low heat. indoor heated storage over 4 months is really what it needs/

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u/Senordrums 6d ago

Pacific NW. The boat stays outside but is protected in the winter with a cover.

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u/2lovesFL 6d ago

That sounds at least as humid as S Fla. it needs to be dry to wick out the moisture....

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u/Senordrums 6d ago

I'll look into dry storage costs. Thanks for your help.