www.iFourWinns.com

I have a 98' 258 Vista. Water marks have been present on the ceiling of the liner, the false wall between the anchor locker and the cabin, and occasionally when it really rains it rolls down on the sides. I had just about exhaused all areas I thought water was coming from. Then this past weekend I removed the entire hatch and found that the brown water stains were caused by the rotting wood core. The water must have been running between the inner and outer fiberglass skin. It found a way out through some type of penetration in the inner skin between the hatch and the bow. Which then allowed it to leave nice water stains.

Should I remove the wood that is damaged?
What do I put back in its place?
Can I do this without removing the liner and the inner fiberglass skin?

Thanks for the advice.
Ben

You can do it yourself. I've never done it before. The core will have to be removed. I'd suggest googling for some products and instructions.

It will be an involved job depending on how much core is damaged and in need of replacement.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

West Systems has a how to manual that describes how to make this repair. You can get a copy at West Marine. I used it to make a stringer repair last winter. This is not for the faint of heart.

Good luck.

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Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy

I agree with what has been said. This is a major repair, that will take time, skill and alot of patience. More than I would attempt. But if you have the nads to try it, good luck. Otherwise, have a pro do the repair, and plan on a hefty bill. Or, sell the boat .

Just a side note, a friend of mine is looking for a 258 or 268, he found a 268 and had it surveyed, the first question the surveyor asked him was if it was a 258 or 268 on the initial call. The surveyor said he has seen alot of pre 2001
258's with many problems structurally. He advised him to stay away from an older 258. Which leads me to believe your problem is not that uncommon on that year.

Best of luck to you, and let us know what you decide to do.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to see how much rotten area is there and then deciede if I am going to try and tackle the project.