Flooring question

[Robj]

Hello there,

I am starting to install the new floor into my 18' bowrider. My question is the gap between the hull and floor edge, should this gap be filled with a resin putty, or just tab it in. If using putty, should it be a mix with resin, cabosil and fibres, or a mixture of resin and balloons?

Thanx and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[sbklf]

Re: Flooring question

You definitly need to fill the void but am not sure what is the best filler. I would then fillet it and tab it in to the hull.

 

[Robj]

Re: Flooring question

The reason that I ask is because someone at another boat repair forum suggested to leave a 1/4 inch gap between the hull and floor then just glass it in. I was just wondering what other opinions people have.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[sport15]

Re: Flooring question

Keep the deck dry and no gap needed.. 3 coats of unthickend epoxy on the bottom, and if you do not have a dead fit deck to hull, cabosil and wood flour mixed in epoxy to make the joint tight. be carefull not to push the hull sides out by forcing the deck into place. Fillet the joint then tape before glassing the deck in. You'll be fishing by Friday....

 

[Robj]

Re: Flooring question

Hello there,

I am using polyester, based on your reply your are suggesting a structural filler, so should I be using a mixture of cabosil, chopped fibres and resin to fill the gap?

Thanx and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[croSSed]

Re: Flooring question

Another possibility is to just pick up some Duraglass. That's what I used in the gaps in my project. Worked well. Just don't try to use too much at one time or it could crack as it cures.

TG

 

[Robj]

Re: Flooring question

I have lots of cabosil, chopped fibres and resin. I think that I will use that to fill the gap. Don't want to spend any more $$ than I need to. It is a good structural filler and it should work fine.

Thanx and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[Robj]

Re: Flooring question

Any other opinions or suggestions? The floor is going in this weekend and want to make sure that I do it right.

Thanx and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Flooring question

If you didn't leave a gap around the perimeter of the deck, there would be an enormous hard spot on the hull due to the deck. So the gap is necessary and fine. I would make a nice fillet with structural putty and then tab with increasing widths of glass