250 Explorer

[shelfboy]

Hi:

I am looking at a 2000 250 Explorer and love the boat, does anyone know the extent and location of wood that may or may not have been used in the boat?  Please note I am not looking to start the argument of wood vs. composite, I would just like to know what potential areas of concern there are in this particular boat.  Thank you for your comments.  Bill

[Capt. Bob]

Deck, cabin, helm and possibly under the gunnels. Transom should be poured and stringers are foam filled.

[shelfboy]

Thank you Captain Bob, I would imagine the deck would be the area of concern then should there have been water infiltration somewhere. 

[Capt. Bob]

Look for soft spots adjacent to items mounted to the deck. Improper sealing of the mounting penetrations allow water to enter the core (end grain balsa or ply) causing the wood to decay. Not a lot of factory mounts resulting in soft spots on an EX that I recall so this usually occurs when a previous owner added some aftermarket product in the cockpit area.

Good luck.

[wingtime]

2000 model Explorers deck should be cored with end grain balsa wood. I say should because if the factory ran out of balsa they would use plywood to keep production going. The top of the cap and a few other places have plywood.  Unless someone has drilled holes into the deck to mount something the deck should be nice and solid.  Soft decks in Euro transom 225/245/250 Explorers is rare since they came from the factory with nothing mounted to the deck.  With no screws penitrating the deck there are no holes for water to get into the core and rot it.