Termites in a boat??
 

Has anyone ever seen or heard of termites in a boat.
I was looking at a 27' Fountain in Houston, Tx and I swear there was termites?
To my knowledge all they need is water and wood.

Thanks for any input
Jason

That about sums it up.




Darrell.

Termites are easy to spot. They leave "tubes" behind. They also leave lots of holes and crumbling wood. I've never seen it but would never rule it out. They could be ants- there are some that look alot like termites. Seems like they'd need more exposed wood than you'd find on your average boat.

I know a guy who's boat had a bad case of carpenter ants. He was digging in for some interior work and they we're coming out everywhere.

I see evidence of termites during surveys all the time. Not a good condition. Have seen completely hollowed-out stringers and lateral bulkheads crumble to the touch. Be careful if you suspect infestation.

Termites MUST go back into the ground daily or they will die. The tunnels or you see on homes are made of mud. When termites are exterminated, the chemical sprayed into the ground/foundation is actually a barrier that prevents existing termites from returning to the ground (dries them up)and also prevents new termites from climbing up the walls to get to the wood (starves them)and they all will die. I would have to say unless the hull was made of wood and it was sitting directly on the ground, termites are not possible.

I know of two boat owners who would wish what you are saying was only partially accurate. One has a 28' Maxum and the other a 26' Formula.

Here is a photo taken earlier this year.

Here is another.

...and another.