14' Lund Rebuild - Custom Boat Floor (NEED HELP)

[C$]

Hey Everyone!

Im installing a new floor in my 14' Lund renovation project. I have received alot of ideas on how to start but im a little confused. I will be building the support structure out of wood and attaching it to the structure of the boat.

What is the best way to attach the plywood floor to the wood support structure? I have had some people tell me that screws are the way to go, and other that the screws will work their way out. I have also been told to use rivets, but i have no idea what type of rivet you use for wood to wood?

The other issue im running into is do you glue the carpet onto the plywood and wrap it around the edges and then attach it to the support? If so what would i used to attach it to the support.

As you can see im in a little bit of a pickle here as I have never really done this before any help would be greatly appreciated.

Check out my Progress so far by clicking here!

 

[SoonerD]

Re: 14' Lund Rebuild - Custom Boat Floor (NEED HELP)

I would recommend not using a wood support structure and would go with 1 1/2" x 1/8" aluminum angle to build the support structure. If you are building a solid floor, I would have a couple of pieces that are cut and riveted to the sides of the boat. Run your aluminum angle across the boat and cut a couple of small braces that attach the the floor. Use rivets when connecting the support structure to the aluminum and stainless steel nuts & bolts when connecting pieces of the aluminum angle together. It's a lot cheaper than wood and will last forever.

Once you get the support system in place, then you can attach the deck by using Rivets (carpet over top). I would recommend using a large rivet gun such as the Big Daddy that will shoot the larger rivets. You can place a plywood deck (make sure you have sealed it before laying carpet on top). One thing you may want to look into is by the time you buy a sheet of marine plywood, and sealer, you may be able to find a peice of aluminum for $20 more from a fabricator in your area...Just a option. I hope this helps!

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 14' Lund Rebuild - Custom Boat Floor (NEED HELP)

First, welcome to the forum. You and I are doing similar projects. I am at the same stage of the project as you are. My tinny was a runabout but I am converting for fishing with a side console. I will be using angle aluminum for brackets and support where practical. This is to keep the additional weight to a minimum. I will have a deck section at the front, forward of the helm, a casting deck at the rear, a small storage compartment at the bow, and possibly a live well and more storage below the casting deck. Flotation foam will be going in before the floor goes down. I'm using 5/8' exterior plywood sealed with epoxy resin top and bottom, covered with marine vinyl and screwed down with accessible stainless steel screws (in case I have to remove the lid for repair purposes). Wood to wood will be screwed, metal to metal will be riveted, and wood to metal will have nut and bolt. On wood that will never need to come off will also have PL Premium as well.
What area are you from? You didn't put that info in your profile.

 

[Toney100]

Re: 14' Lund Rebuild - Custom Boat Floor (NEED HELP)

I believe deck screws would be fine after all a deck is exposed to the weather 24/7 year round. Also alot cheaper than stainless. If you do go wood to wood a screw won't work it's way out,maybe a nail. Screws hold entire buildings together. The aluminum angle is a real good idea though and rivets are easy to install.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 14' Lund Rebuild - Custom Boat Floor (NEED HELP)

Welcome to iboats! I looked over your progress pictures and you are making very good progress.

I will give you a few tips

Aluminum needs either aluminum or stainless steel fasteners..... yes rivets can be used for your decking but, I would use as few as necessary. If the deck ever needs to come up and out you will just need to drill off the rivet heads. Most decking in a small hull will actually stay down just due to weight. I have seen projects where it is not attached.

Go visit a scrap yard and collect up scrap aluminum. I would use scrap aluminum for my under deck structure. Here is a link to a completed project here and you will see what scrap aluminum can do. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=286547

Everything you are doing looks great.