What type of wood for boat floor?

[bosscat800]

I'm no wood expert. I have removed the rotted floor of my 1973 Larson 1600. What type of plank is it ok to replace with? They had a plank on either side that ran from the back to just under the walk through area. Is it ok to use a redwood or a cedar, then apply fiberglass resin on all side? I know the plywood should be of better quality, meaning less voids and nots. But I am not sure on the planks that were under that. Any help would be apreaciated.

 

[AShipShow]

The oils in cedar and redwood that make it rot resistant also make it not great for fiberglass as it won't really absorb rain very well and you don't get a great bond.

I'm not entirely sure I understand the application... why can't you use plywood?

 

[bosscat800]

Mad props, I plan on using plywood for the main part of the floor. Underneath that there was 1x10 planks that ran from the front to the back. That is what I was wondering what type of wood to use. The planks were laying on top of the foam.

 

[mickyryan]

I would do 3/4 plywood csm on bottom 1708 on top, nobodys lightweight anymore and one sharp heal and your floor is cracked...

 

[sheboyganjohn]

What is the plan on this wood. If you are going to paint / gelcoat it do as Micky has stated. If you want to keep it looking like wood, then I would use glued up strips of cedar and coat with 6 oz of cloth and epoxy. Once dry, apply spar varnish to protect the epoxy from UV. then apply some support members to the back to give it some strength. I would run two true 1 x 2 white oak i from bow to stern.

 

[AShipShow]

I think I just realized the "planks" your talking about are the stringers. You can use plywood for those as well. If they over 8 feet long, then double up 1/2" plywood and overlap the joints to make then as long as you need.

 

[Woodonglass]

Welcome to iBoats!
Yup, your "Stringer" planks, are best made from two pieces of plywood laminated together. I'd recommend ACX Ext. Grade plywood either 1/2" or 3/4:. The 2nd link below should have some helpful info for you as you rebuild your deck and stringers. Have you checked the transom for rot as well??

 

[bosscat800]

Thank you all for the replies. The stringers or planks, that were under the main floor had rot in places. Looked to be 1x10, some type of wood. The main floor was 1/2 plywood. The boat is a tri hull Larson. I just dont know what type of wood to replace the stringers I'llr planks with. My plan is to put down new 1/2 plywood, coated with resin and chop strand matt, then apply a tuff coat or somethinng over it to seal it up from water. The transom looks to be in good shape.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thank you all for the replies. The stringers or planks, that were under the main floor had rot in places. Looked to be 1x10, some type of wood. The main floor was 1/2 plywood. The boat is a tri hull Larson. I just dont know what type of wood to replace the stringers I'llr planks with. My plan is to put down new 1/2 plywood, coated with resin and chop strand matt, then apply a tuff coat or somethinng over it to seal it up from water. The transom looks to be in good shape.

woodonglass answered it in the post above.

 

[MTboatguy]

It always scares me when someone rebuilding a boat says "The Transom Looks Good" If the stringers and the floor are bad the odds of that transom being good is pretty low. I would bet there is rot at the bottom of that transom, or it is soft and needs to be replaced.

 

[kpg7121]

It always scares me when someone rebuilding a boat says "The Transom Looks Good" If the stringers and the floor are bad the odds of that transom being good is pretty low. I would bet there is rot at the bottom of that transom, or it is soft and needs to be replaced.

Yep, like decks the rot in transoms usually starts at the bottom & works it way up. On my Starcraft when i dug out my transom the ply probably half way up was solid wood. If I was the OP I'd definately do core samples on that transom before proceeding.

 

[KJM]

bought two used boats in my limited time as a boat owner and both had rotten transoms. the first should have been obvious to me but i knew nothing at the time.... the second, i thought i knew everything and guess what?....still knew nothing it turns out. hoping by #3 i'll have learned. check that transom very carefully!