24’ Tomcat Sponson Access

[djy887]

Question for any 24’ Tomcat (1999) owners out there. Taking a look at one for sale in PNW today. I’m not seeing any access covers to inspect the sponsons/voids under the cockpit deck. There has to be an access point for bilge pumps somewhere without having to cut something out, right? Also, noted an area about a square foot in size in the aft port quarter of the cockpit deck that ‘crackles’ with pressure applied. Deck doesn’t flex…and tapping around doesn’t yield a softer or hollow tone. I’m assuming the fiberglass deck has delaminated a bit. Owner says it’s been that way forever. No outward evidence of cracks or soft spots…and well-taken care of otherwise. Is this a quality of build issue…or hiding a flaw below the deck…thoughts?

 

[CPlay]

Access to sponsons under deck on port side requires removing floor under the aft seat and pulling up the plywood floor. The problem is that this space is occupied by the port gas tank, so that would have to be removed also. Not a quick job. I think I would inspect the entire surrounding area and if nothing else is wrong than it is likely a localized delamination. Make sure it is not spongy (rotten core). I would repair by drilling a few holes down into core in this area to inspect. It might have just been a resin starved area. Epoxy could then be injected into holes to rebond. Note that the bilge pump access is at very aft end behind batteries under aft hatches. A long tight reach.
(I have a 1998 Tomcat 24 and have replaced my starboard gas tank. Not a difficult job but definitely took some time.)
-Jeff-