How can I separate the deck from the hull on my bass boat?

Question

I had bought a 30 yr. old Skeeter fixer upper. Some of the floor is rotted out. So I took out the rivets on the side thinking I could lift the deck off. It seems like something is still holding on. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

In addition to what Algerbilt_33 said, some boat manufactures filled the empty spaces between the inner and outer hull with an expanding foam to add flotation and make it more unsinkable. That foam adheres to both hulls and acts a little like glue. It can be pulled apart without any damage to either hull but it will make a horrible sound. With the hulls apart clean up the foam and replace it when the hulls are rejoined. You can get something like 'Great Stuff" at home improvement stores that will do nicely

Answer 2

Some boats are sealed  between the upper and lower halves. Take  a flat bar and see if you can work it between the two halves. Slowly pry the halves apart and work your way around until you have the two parts  seperated. Caution; when the two parts are seperated and you replace any fiberglass, make sure that the hull is braced in the same position as the original. If not, the hull will expand and the top will not fit properly. Make sure that the halves are not sealed together by a fiberglass mesh strip. If they are then you have to locate the seam from the inside and cut the two halves apart with a shallow cut off tool or what I found to work is a dremel tool with a cut off disc. Like I said, bracing is essential. Be careful and have fun. Algerbilt_33