Hi,
I'm in the process of restoring a 1980 CVX-16, and I have had worries about my floor, it seems very solid from looking at it and when its under pressure (2 people in it while on the trailer, I try to avoid that though). It was left out in the rain once and water leaked through the floor for about a few months and I took a vacuum to it daily, since then I have been very meticulous about water. I know that Carlsons around this age there are horror stories of the transom and floor wood being nothing but oatmeal. I have already done lots of hull (body) work since the last owner was a bad driver and caretaker haha, had the boat painted, and the boat is all in one piece (gas tank, and cap). Also since I am a jobless 16 year old so I am strapped for cash at this point. So I have been hesitant to go about a floor rebuild. I am considering putting a 4" access hole in the floor to gain access if needed to air it out and such, is this structurally a good idea and there is a place I can put this that is behind or under the rear bench, that won't hit a stringer I could go about the clothes hanger trick and drill holes and probe around but the less holes the better. So sorry to cut to the chase now but basically should I worry about having to tear the boat down or leave it as is, and make sure it is dry at all times.
Also I am considering painting the floor with Latex paint before carpeting, is this a terrible idea? Thanks!