1971 Starcraft floor rebuild ?s

[karrick]

I'm planning on rebuilding the floor soon and am in the stages of thinking it all through. It only has one aluminum support, I guess you would call it a stringer, running the length of the boat(transom to 5ft shy of bow). I assume this is the a factory installation. Would this be enough support to put a 3/4" floor? <br /><br />I assume it is standard to attach a plywood floor down with aluminum rivets or use screws?<br /><br />Also, Would it be best to have seats/seat bases mounted before attaching floor to boat? I plan on having a couple pedastal fishing seats, captain seat, and a couple bench seats. I am curious if they are bolted down or what?<br /><br />I am planning on using PT plywood. Is there a reccomended sealer to put on it if any? If so, I assume I should let the wood dry a little before coating, because the PT I can remember buying in the past always seems to be a little damp.<br /><br />Thanks for the help<br />

 

[DJ]

Re: 1971 Starcraft floor rebuild ?s

karrick,<br /><br />3/4" will be more than adequate.<br /><br />Yes, you need to let that would dry. Do not be surprised if it curls up on you. I do not like PT for boats. I have had a hard time getting things to stick to it.<br /><br />Secure the floor with Stainless screws. Make sure you do not go through the bottom! <br /><br />Your seat bases are best secured (pole type) by having another sheet of plywood underneath, say 2' X 2'. The other seats should have, at least, large stainless steel fender washers on the back side.

 

[karrick]

Re: 1971 Starcraft floor rebuild ?s

If you do not like PT, do you use standard plywood or marine grade and coat it? What have you used to water proof wood? Is there any truth to the stainless againist aluminum causing corrosion?

 

[gewf631]

Re: 1971 Starcraft floor rebuild ?s

Karrick<br /> Don't know the size of your boat, but judging by the fact that it only has one lengthwise support, I'd guess 16'.<br /> Anyway, I have an 18' Starcraft Supersport in which I replaced the floor last year. Here's that post. During that project I probably ran across some of the same questions you're having, and some of those are answered in that topic.<br /><br /> For some reason, the photos aren't posting, so<br />here's a link to the pictures <br /><br /> I used stainless screws. I did a lot of research before going that route, and couldn't find any hard evidence that it would be a problem - many others before have gone this route.<br /> I also used 3/4" PT plywood. It sat in the garage for a couple months before being installed (purchased it when it was on sale). I'm sure if it was still wet, getting something to stick would be a problem, but I didn't have any.<br /><br />Good luck, and don't hesitate with the questions.

 

[karrick]

Re: 1971 Starcraft floor rebuild ?s

Thanks for the post Ed. Its a 17fter. It looks like I'll use SS hardware for attaching the floor. I think I have a handle on how I want to attach my seats. I plan on posting pictures whenever I can borrow my friends dig-cam. Thanks for the input.<br />Karrick

 

[geomarq]

Re: 1971 Starcraft floor rebuild ?s

I did the floor on my 21' Starcraft last year... what a pain... I removed the original s.s. screws from the aluminum stringers and the ribs (for lack of a better word - that run left to right on the boat's floor), and there was just some minimal corrosion/pitting after almost 30 years. <br />I could tell there seemed to be an anti-size between the two metals and I did the same when screwing everything back again just to make sure. I changed to two long stringers, 2x6's (I think) douglas fur, treated with poly resin all around. I used galvanized brackets to hold and screw the stringers to the boat floor, using anti-size, then applied epoxy resin over the brackets and screws to ensure nothing goes wrong. Everything set-up rock hard and water tight.