Need marine plywood advice.....

[gillgetter]

I cut the carpeted floor out of my 16ft. Lund because of rot. I bought a sheet of 3/4 fir marine plywood to replace it with. After I cut it to fit on the aluminum stringers, but before I carpet it, I want to try to coat it with something to resist rotting again. I have read about epoxy resin and fiberglass, but it seems like a lot of work that I dont know how to do. The original decking lasted 23 years without it, as the boat is stored indoors. Is there something easy that I can just buy in a can and brush on for some protection? If I get another 20 years out of it, it will outlive me.-Thanks

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

I am in the middle of replacing my entire floor and stringers (1974 boat) and went with marine grade plywood as well (13 layer fir). Even though it is very high quality wood I still wanted the best protection. I can understand being a little hesitant about laying down fiberglass, but coating it with a layer of epoxy couldn't be simpler! I coated all the wood with at least one layer of epoxy. Just go to the store pick up an epoxy kit, mix it as per the instructions and just paint it on with a brush (as if you were using regular house paint). Apply it thick so you get good penetration into the wood. If you are unsure about the epoxy just ask someone at the store and they will direct you to what you need, it really couldn't be any easier. You could probably coat the entire board with 12-18 ozs of epoxy.

 

[seakingbob]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

I just replaced the wood in my transom and used marine plywood.It's much stronger then regular plywood.27 plys when epoxyed together.I used Spar Varnish,put like 5 coats.The ends have about 8 coats All the holes that where drilled had silcone on everthing that went though the wood. Don't know if it's any better than resin and more work,but they say that's very durable and outstands any weather.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

Seal with epoxy. Fill any screw holes with 5200.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

Yeah, you went to the trouble to get marine plywood, go ahead and coat it with epoxy to make it last. I wouldn't recommend spar varnish, it's not really a very good waterproofer, it's more used to add UV protection. For waterproofing, a lot of times spar varnish will be applied over epoxy to give the epoxy UV resistance and the epoxy does the waterproofing. And 5200 is much better waterproofing than silicone.

So short answer, what ezmobee said.

 

[gillgetter]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

Well I guess I will coat it with epoxy. Is there a type or brand I should look to buy? How many coats should I apply? Also is there any special type of carpet adhesive I should use?- Thanks for the advice.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

West System products are very highly regarded but are expensive. Members on here have also had great experiences with U.S. Composites.

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

If you need it right away then go with West Systems, you can find it at almost any boating store, but you will pay some $$$ for it. If you have 3-4 days (depending on where you live) get some from here:

http://www.uscomposites.com/epoxy.html

The medium stuff will do fine and you could probably get away with 1/2-1 gallons (depending on the size of the piece). Also go to home depot and pick up some cheap paint brushes and mixing cups. Lay it on thick with two coats and I don't think you will ever have an issue. It really doesn't get any easier then this, good luck, come back if you have any more questions.

 

[Doberman]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

This is my first post, just joined today after surfing this site for a week. I am in the process of converting an 84 Bass Tracker into a flats boat. Found it in the woods with a trailer and bought it for $200. My intent is to Rustoleum the topsides, gator grip the inside exposed aluminum, rip out the poured foam and replace with foam board. My intent was to use Advantech plywood and paint with gator grip. I've used Advantech for years in construction and replaced the flybridge on my old trawler with it. I've never seen it swell up with rain or moisture. Has anyone out there used any type of bedliner product on it in an open boat situation.

Thanks for any help.

 

[coolbikeguy]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

West System products are very highly regarded but are expensive. Members on here have also had great experiences with U.S. Composites.

us composites sells the west system stuff. there are only a couple manufacturers of epoxy and poly resins in the country and USC is one of them. im pretty sure they make the west system stuff.

 

[Shife]

Re: Need marine plywood advice.....

us composites sells the west system stuff. there are only a couple manufacturers of epoxy and poly resins in the country and USC is one of them. im pretty sure they make the west system stuff.

USC does not make West Systems Epoxy. I know the owners Meade and Jan Gougeon and several of their staff. They also do not re-brand their product.