Is it possible to get dry rot?

[catsatmat9]

I have a MacGregor 25' sailboat, which has seen better days. Has standing water, owing to being outside. I'm considering detailing the boat for resale, but a (neighbor car-detailer), gave a quick once-over, and declared that there is dry-rot.

My question: Is the Macgregor built with a wooden frame that is then covered in fiberglass, which would allow for dry rot? Or, is it all fiberglass, in which case dry rot is not possible?

Cat

[EZ]

In the past Macgregor used balsa core construction on their boats (as did many manufacturers). Not sure if this is the dry rot your friend is referring to or not.

Can you post pictures of the suspect area?

[C Buchs]

Check out the book "Fix It and Sail". The author has it available for free download, but I can't find a link for it that is working. His web site is http://www.sailingsmall.com/. The book describes how he restored an old MacGregor. This will give you an idea of how the boat is constructed, how to fix small amounts of rot in the core (if your boat is constructed that way), and generally what you are in for.

Jeff

[sailboatmike]

I download that book a year or so ago, it makes a good read even if the boat your doing up isnt a Macgregor, can always learn from the experience of others without reinventing the wheel I figure

[topcat0399]

I assure you that many Macs are cored with plywood - balsa would be a blessing.

You certainly can have dry rot, the question is where is it and how much is rotted.

[Mac 25]

I have a 1987 Mac 25 and the front deck, cabin top and transom are plywood cored.
I am not sure if there is any in the hull.
Water leaks in to plywood at screw holes for hardware.
Hope this helps.

[Catigale]

I have a MacGregor 25' sailboat, which has seen better days. Has standing water, owing to being outside. I'm considering detailing the boat for resale, but a (neighbor car-detailer), gave a quick once-over, and declared that there is dry-rot.

My question: Is the Macgregor built with a wooden frame that is then covered in fiberglass, which would allow for dry rot? Or, is it all fiberglass, in which case dry rot is not possible?

Cat

Get some advice from someone who knows boats. Boats wet rot, not dry rot.

Your neighbor may be knowledgeable and well intentioned but the car and boat worlds separate at the engine.

[LoHo]

Dry rot in wood is wet rot that has dried out. If fresh water soaks the wood, during the time that the moisture content is in a certain range, mold will grow and devour the wood, weakening it and perhaps destroying it. Car guys talk about dry rot in rubber, which is the volatile compounds off-gassing from rubber and plastic, making it hard and brittle. The top and bottom of my mast post was rotted to mulch; the PO had augmented the top of the post with a couple chunks of carpet: