I bought aa 1996 170 dc nitro about 3 months ago and I just replaced the trolling battery yesterday and notices on the rear stringer or "bulkhead that the battery sits on has a small 4x4 inch area soft spot. I notices that the fuel tank strap was held by a screw and the screw was not sealed and there was a small hole next to it that where the old screw used to be. I guess over the years water found its way in. The 4x4 soft area is about 1.5-2ft from the transom I did a test hole closer to the transom and the wood is good. From what I can tell its only that area and the fiberglass is not blistering or cracking. Now I dont know for sure how far the rot is, but I think its not too bad. I think this has been accumulating for many years. The other side or other stringer is rock solid everywhere. I think it is minor for right now. Each side has enough room for batteries then the hull goes down to the drains and bilge area. The side of the stringer is solid its just that area around the screw hole. For right now I siliconed everything up and it is water tight. What do you guys think I should do? Will the I think it is rot but I also heard there is foam in that area as well.