sea ray water intrusion

[boise]

Came across a 1997 Sea Ray 185 with 4.3 powerplant. When riding in it noticed water saturation of the carpet, and even to a degree a small (2 inch square) area of puddling, about 8 inches forward of the batter compartment at the seam of where the floor meets the side. This is on the left side of the boat and when we turn right it bubbles up (slightly). With the boat being high in relation to the water line, especially when making a right turn we are wondering if the compartment below that floor area is flooded and the g force is forcing the water up through the crack.

We pulled back the carpeting and there is about a 10 inch crack along the seam. This looks like it has been this way for awhile because of carpet rot. The initial reaction is to merely repair with fiberglass but then the real concern about what is going on under that floor area, what is below that floor area, and what is the potential if the water isn't removed. It appears to be a sealed compartment with no access from the engine compartment.

Next question: Is there balsa used in this design? Read some articles highlighting the problems of using this (and other materials...foam, cardboard deriviative) for structural components which quickly breakdown from water intrusion.

Finally, what is a effective repair procedure for this?

We are very concerned as would like to keep this boat for awhile. Overall, it is a nice running boat.

thanks!