Frogfather
New member
I have a 2023 287 SSX and as we were out this summer, I noticed the swim platform really seeing a drenching. Water frequently comes over the top with people standing and other waves etc. when weight is in the stern. Not too much of an issue if all is protected correctly. That is where this warning comes in... Chaparral does not effectively protect hidden or less visible wood. As I took a closer look, the holes in the floor for water release, the grated looking oval metal covers x2, and the tie down hardware on the port and left side, and the step handle ports all are NOT protected from the factory. When I removed mine after being 1 year old, I am already finding wood rot and fiberglass separation in these areas due to water intrusion. I would strongly recommend some mitigation efforts. Here is what I am in the process of doing to mine... The largest holes, I cleaned up with a metal brush and put a coat of Marine Tex over the exposed wood and separation (water drains). This allowed me to fill the voids and should prevent further water intrusion in the biggest area. This was super simple... unscrew the plates 4 screws, clean and sand slightly to prep, and then I applied painters tape to the top to be sure not to get any on the sea deck material. Prob a bit overkill, but only took a few moments.
The other area's are a more difficult to access. The holes are a very tight fit for the hardware, and these will not see the sunshine so UV is not a concern. In these area's I am using a Minwax product I have used for years with great success... wood hardner sealer. Its a thin epoxy based chemical that the wood fibers suck up and retain as it hardens. I've found it creates an excellent water barrier a little deeper than a surface coating like a polyurethane. For the small screw holes and bolts that go all the way through, you can plug the bottom with your finger or something else and drip or pour a little in each hole allowing the wood to absorb it. Then, let it dry and reinstall all the hardware.
The other area's are a more difficult to access. The holes are a very tight fit for the hardware, and these will not see the sunshine so UV is not a concern. In these area's I am using a Minwax product I have used for years with great success... wood hardner sealer. Its a thin epoxy based chemical that the wood fibers suck up and retain as it hardens. I've found it creates an excellent water barrier a little deeper than a surface coating like a polyurethane. For the small screw holes and bolts that go all the way through, you can plug the bottom with your finger or something else and drip or pour a little in each hole allowing the wood to absorb it. Then, let it dry and reinstall all the hardware.
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