Tesring for Dry Rot

[lndshk]

I am going to buy a used boat. What is the best way to test for dry rot in the floor and transom?
Thanks

[chillwills]

I am going to buy a used boat. What is the best way to test for dry rot in the floor and transom?
Thanks
Take a pen knife and if you can stick it in the wood easily or more than about a 16th of an inch, you have it.

[fishkisser]

A pen knife going into wood 1/16 th of an inch is not a indicator of dry rot ...
Its a fungus that literally eats the wood and spreads over time ...
Wet rot is usually a sign of owner neglect or faulty compartment drains and lack of maintenance ...
use a flat bladed screwdriver to test suspected areas or smell for mouldy areas ...
Here are some links to test products ...Barney


http://www.joist-repair.co.uk/fugenex.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2070315_identify-dry-rot.html
http://www.tqc.eu/en/products/article/489/BRADAWL