Wood in construction 1999 245 explorer

[Alan_Tampa]

I've read that there is only wood in the deck on these boats, in the deck, but sealed up in glass. I have also read that in 1999 all wood was eliminated? Which is true? Any insight would be super.

Thanks

[wingtime]

The stringer grid in your Explorer is foam filled fiberglass.  The transom is a poured composite ceramic material.  The decks are end grain balsa wood cored.  The gunwale tops, and portions of the cabin are cored with plywood. All of the wood is encapsulated in fiberglass.  Fortunately 225/245 Explorer decks do not have any hardware penetrating the deck core so there is little opportunity for water intrusion into the core casing rot.  In any case you should get a screw driver and a wrench and go around and make sure all the screws and bolts on the boat are tight and sealed with caulk.  Over time screws and hardware loosen up and begin to leak allowing water intrusion and rot.  This should be a normal maintenance procedure but for some reason most boat owners don't know it should be done.

So basically everything in the hull and below the waterline is composite.  The cap (rubrail seam up) is core with wood.

[Alan_Tampa]

Thanks, wingtime!