50-6 swim platform water intrusion

[B. Lutz]

We are looking at a Carver 50-6 that shows water behind the fiberglass in the aft swim platform. How serious is this? How expensive is this to fix? Do we have to address this issure immediately or can we wait? Can this problem migrate into the main hull?
Thank,
Barry Lutz

[Agriman]

We have a 350 Mariner that had the same problem in one area about two square feet. A fiberglass repair man cut out the top of the swim platform in that area removing the spongy damp core and replaced with new wood and re-glassed the whole area. He suggested it would have lasted awhile but eventually gave out. The cost was $950.00 Cdn.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Viper]

Welcome aboard.
How serious it is really depends on how soaked the core is and how widespread it is. If it's restricted to a small area/s then it's an easy repair and will probably be okay left to continue using for a while depending on conditions but it won't get any better and will likely spread. The longer a repair gets put off the more expensive the repair.

I believe the platform is integrated to the main hull so in the right conditions, it could spread there in time if not corrected. The extensions that wrap around the hull sides should be checked also as they can be an issue as well that can affect the hull sides in those areas.

The cost for repairs really depends on how widespread the problem is and the shop labour rates in your area. It can be $1K or $10K. There's no telling without proper assessment done by a qualified fiberglass technician. Even then, it's not uncommon to find a bigger problem once the area/s are opened up.

Good luck, we hope everything works out in your favour. Keep us posted.