Pressure treated plywood question

[109jb]

Well I'm working on a 1988 Sea Ray Seville that I just bought a few weeks ago. A few spots on the floor are soft and I think I'm just going to replace all of the floor aft of the consoles. I'll be using pressure treated plywood from the lumber yard. I've read that you should let the PT plywood dry out, which can take several months. What is the reason(s) for letting it dry before installing it??? What happens if you don't let it dry first??

I replaced the floor in an aluminum boat years ago and had never heard about letting the PT dry first so I didn't. Didn't have any problem I know about, but would like to hear the reasoning.

Thanks in advance.

John B.

 

[Driven1]

Re: Pressure treated plywood question

Normally, fiberglass boat floors ere coated on top with either fiberglass or epoxy sealers. In using wet Pressure Treated, coatings like those mentioned won't stick to it.

If you've got soft spots in the floor expect to find water damage to the stringers and bulkheads below it. There could also be a possibility that your transom has started to rot. Could be a much bigger job than you're expecting.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pressure treated plywood question

use either exterior or marine plywood. the chemical in the pressure treated also eats your screws. just coat all side of the plywood.

 

[BillP]

Re: Pressure treated plywood question

It needs to be dry to let the resin stick. That applies mostly to polyester resin. Epoxy is less of a worry because it will USUALLY stick to damp surfaces well. I don't advocate doing it without drying though just to be safe. Use CCA pt, it's not a problem with corrosion to fasteners but if you use ACQ pt go with SS fasteners.

bp

 

[chryslerpower]

Re: Pressure treated plywood question

Putting you ply down wet can also cause some warping as the ply dries out and shrinks. I'd say let it dry first, then put it in.