Cabin Sole Removal - Intrepid 9 Meter

[keneasley]

I've posted before about a persistent smell and problems with bilge access on my Intrepid 9 Meter.
This past winter layup I've been determined to get to the bottom of the problem, literally.
I think the problem was a moldy/rotted cabin sole that had been under water at some point and lingering water/dirt in the bilge.

Bilge_Project_b16.JPG

To that end I completely removed the cabin sole and found a pretty nice floor of gelcoated fiberglass.
The sole was screwed down and it took just a few hours to remove the screws and then slide out the sole in one piece. Then I chamfered, taped and filled the 50 some-odd screw holes with Marine Tex epoxy and sanded smooth. I made a cover board for the pan bilge out of 11 1/2"wide by 3/4" thick Azek board and cut the length to fit. It was nice that the Azek came in the exact width required. So this was a very simple project that required only rudimentary carpentry skills. A 30" wide carpet runner covers the sole nicely.

Bilge_Project_b19.JPG

So while I no longer have the classic look of a teak and holly sole I have a much better smelling boat and
as a bonus - 3/4" more headroom which for me at 6' tall is just enough to allow me to finally stand upright in the cabin. I also now have access to the entire pan bilge.

Bil‎ge_Project_b20.JPG

I may follow up and install a couple of additional plates in the sole for more access to the hidden bilge below the sole if I can still detect any bilge smell during the sailing season.

This may be of some use any Intrepid 9 M owners out there facing similar problems.

[Jim Walsh]

Nice work. One of the benefits of boat ownership is that you have only yourself to satisfy. Now you have a solid cabin sole, unlimited access to the bilge and keel bolts. and an area which can be kept spotless with minimal effort.