2002 396 swim platform spongy

[KyleR]

Hi everyone - new member and first time posting. Our offer was accepted and we are scheduled for survey/haul-out in a couple of weeks on a 2002 396.

However, based on our initial walk-through we identified the swim platform was quite spongy over a large area - especially in the middle section. I have searched and read dozens of posts on here about this issue and the potential causes (e.g. dock box screws, poor davit/aftermarket equipment installs, etc.) so I have a good idea of what SHOULD have been done by the current owner, but obviously was neglected.

Anyway, for those of you who have had this issue and had it repaired, would you mind sharing your costs associated with it and if you had it done professionally or DIY? I am not afraid of a big project - and actually prefer it - as I am then assured of the repair quality and it gives me a better understanding of how the boat is built. But sometimes it is best to just let the pros take care of it.

I am guessing the surveyor will give an estimate for repairs but I would like to come prepared with real-world numbers from owners who have dealt with this issue.

Thanks in advance to all and I look forward to being here!!

Kyle

[Merkinbrumsky]

I had one of the deck panels over the engine compartment repaired this winter. It was completely soaked under the glass. Balsa was so wet it was removed with a spoon from the bottom side. Ended up costing me $1200 to have it repaired. I would estimate it to be about 3 x 5’ in size. No idea if that is typical for pricing. The guy quoted me $600-$1500 when he started the job. He complained allot about what an awful job it was so I think I paid a nuisance tax. I had no choice, needed to be repaired

[KyleR]

Thanks for the reply! Actually that estimate seems VERY reasonable from some of the others I have seen. It is actually the lowest by a good margin! I have seen estimates ranging from $3900 up to $6500 for this kind of rot/delamination. Was your work done in Canada? Maybe that might be the difference? Thanks again!

[tomschauer]

A removable deck panel versus a swim platform is apples to oranges. You will most likely pay several $1000 to properly repair your platform.
If you didn't yet settle on the boat, get a couple quotes and use them during negotiations.

[KyleR]

Thanks Tom - good point! I missed that the first reply was a deck panel repair, which possibly was able to be removed from the boat. That could very well be why the cost was less.

I wish my swim platform could be removed as that would change things a lot! But from everything I have been able to research the 396 has a swim platform that is molded into the boat - so it will definitely require a haul-out and probably 2-3 weeks on the hard to do the repairs. So your "several $1000" suggestion is probably more accurate - and more inline with other feedback I have received.

Thanks again!

[Merkinbrumsky]

Source of the post Thanks Tom - good point! I missed that the first reply was a deck panel repair, which possibly was able to be removed from the boat. That could very well be why the cost was less.

I wish my swim platform could be removed as that would change things a lot! But from everything I have been able to research the 396 has a swim platform that is molded into the boat - so it will definitely require a haul-out and probably 2-3 weeks on the hard to do the repairs. So your "several $1000" suggestion is probably more accurate - and more inline with other feedback I have received.

Thanks again!

Yes, it was removable and I took it too a retired guy who used to build boats. I wasn’t sure if your swim platform was removable. Will definitely cost more if it is molded. It would cost more to have the work done in Canada than US.