Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

[outonbizniz]

My goal is to rebuild my boat with no wood left in her. My transom and stringers will be Seacast. The floor..I'm not too sure about. Has anyone used anything other that plywood and epoxy? If so how did it turn out? I would ask how much it cost but since I'm already using Seacast I guess price isn't going to stop me (though my wallet could).

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

I would stick with a wood floor deck if you are putting floatation foam under it. Otherwise if the deck or hull ever leaks you will have a heck of a time removing the floor to remove and replace the wet foam.

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

If I do have to use wood...I will be glassing it into place. I was thinking of something like masonite. I need something that comes in a sheet like plywood...but that is waterproof.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

How about King Starboard? Try http://www.kingstarboard.com <br /><br />I think it is pretty pricey!<br /><br />BL...

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

BLIF...Thanks a lot!!! That's exactly what I was looking for. That does it! There will be NO WOOD in my boat! HAHA

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

In case anyone else is curious:<br /><br />I just called KingStarBoard. A 54"x96"x3/4" sheet of the AS (anti slip patern in the top) weighs 135 LBS and costs US$420 - US$450. The price is a bit steep and sound like it will weigh more that wood.

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

BLIF...Thanks a lot!!! That's exactly what I was looking for. That does it! There will be NO WOOD in my boat! HAHA

 

[DJ]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

ouonbizniz,<br /><br />I knew that stuff was expensive.<br /><br />Have you thought about FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood)?<br /><br />That's the stuff that truck body sidewalls are made of along with semi trailers.<br /><br />It's tough, and is completely waterproof as long as you epoxy the ends where you have cut.<br /><br />You should be able to buy it at truck/trailer repair centers. They should at least be able to tell you where they get it.

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

another great idea. I knew there had to be a ton of alternative materials. I'll be carpeting over whatever I use so looks aren't very important. BTW...the kingstarboard won't accept glue to hold down carpet (although for that price I wouldn't want to cover it). <br /><br />Thanks Again

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

If/when I ever get around to doing the same project, I'm going to use polyboard...a plastic plywood. It's fairly expensive, about 2X that of regular marine grade plywood, but it's completely impervious to water and handles just like wood. You may have to call around to find it in retail places, but it's getting more and more common.

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

Here's a link to the Polyboard you mentioned. It's MUCH CHEAPER than KingStarBoard and you can do anything to it that you can do to plywood.<br /><br />4'x8'x1/2" = US$41.00

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

I forgot the link...here you go. Sorry.<br /><br /> Polyboard

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

I forgot the link...here you go. Sorry.<br /><br /> Polyboard

 

[SCO]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

After looking at the polyboard site, I wonder whether polyboard will hold its shape. It looks like the skateboard ramp frame is made of plywood.<br />also: may have to be mechanically fastened only. I bet epoxy/polyester wont stick to it. 12 times tougher, ok I'll buy that it is difficult to destroy with a hammer, but toughness is not the same as strength. If you suspend a sheet between 2 beams, will it bow more than the same thickness and weight of plywood? How will a hot day in the sun treat it? There is a reason that plywood is the standard building material. I bet you could design for this material in a boat, but caution if you are trying to replace plywood in an application designed for plywood. Maybe you can get some test strips to check it out.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

sound wisdom ,,,SCO

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

SCO...Since it is not extremely expensive and I can get it locally I will be performing a couple of tests before I buy into it. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Hawkeye1]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

What ever you use you need to be able to glass it into the boat to make sure you dont get water down below. This plactic stuff and especially starboard might not glue or seal well. I would use 2 layers of ext 1/4" luan. Epoxy coat the bottom, epoxy the the 2nd sheet on top of the 1st one, overlaping the seams, then cover all with a layer of glass and epoxy. You wont have to worry about rot with the epoxy. You have to make sure any hole are sealed well. The luan is about 25 lbs a sheet and is easy to work with. That what I just did the 12 x 7 floor in my 23'er with and it came out great.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

Hawkeye1, Why 2 sheets of 1/4 vs 1/2 or 3/4 exterior or marine grade ply? Is it to stagger seams for strength? Easier to handle?<br />Just curious...<br /><br />BL...

 

[Franki]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

Hi guys.. <br /><br /><joke> wonder how the one inch thick stuff would go in a transom??? </joke><br /><br />I just emailed them and asked if it bonds to fiberglass... be interesting to know if it does...<br /><br />Wood is slowly moving out of the boating industry.. there are alot of boats being touted as "wood free" so thats the way things are going..<br /><br />I am always looking for new and innovative products and keep an open mind till I have a good reason not to..<br /><br />let us know how your tests go outonbizniz.<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Frank

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Composite transom...composite stringers...what about the floor?

Will do Frank. It'll be this weekend before I will have time to catch the lumber yard that carries the stuff open....it may be easier (cheaper) to catch the yard when it's closed.