1987 Ranger Front Deck Change

[jhow0228]

Hey guys. Looking to change up the front deck of my Ranger. Currently has the old school bench seats with minimal storage underneath and a smaller casting deck. Also, has a HUGE cooler built into the deck. I would like to remove bench seats and build the deck up to make it all one full casting deck. Would also like to tap into that cooler and install rod tubes so I can fish tourneys without having all 14+ rods out on the deck. What am I getting myself into? Anyone have any experience making this upgrade? Also, I have seen a lot of conflicting stuff on what to seal the plywood up with before putting the carpet down, opinions on that? Thanks in advance guys/girls.

 

[Woodonglass]

The great thing about fiberglass is...You can do just about anything your mind can design. Just consider the structural forces on the hull and ensure it's reinforced at the appropriate are
as. Wood that's to be glassed is simply sealed first with resin then layered with Glass. The type of resin used, dictates the glass products you'll use. Pics or drawings of your proposed mods would help us to help you

 

[jhow0228]

I'm not doing anything with subflooring. Just building the deck up. Would it still need to be glassed or would just sealing the wood be enough?

 

[AlabamaNewbie]

IMHO, you need to glass it. You'll never seal the wood enough to protect it from the water without spending as much total as you would to just glass it to start with. Might as well glass it and know that its better protected and stronger.

 

[jhow0228]

Thanks. Most likely going to go ahead and glass it. At least the top of the deck for abrasion resistance for sure and just waterproof the underside and the supporting structure.

 

[Woodonglass]

Using Poly resin and glass is a very simple method of protecting the wood. a Gallon of resin and a Yard of CSM and 8oz fabric is all that you'd need to do it right. You CAN use the Old Timers Recipe to seal the wood and it'll last a good long time IF you maintain it well and re-coat every year or so.
This is the recipe and you can adjust the quantity to suit your needs. Just keep a 1-2-1 ratio.
Also put on 2-3 final coats of full strength Spar Varnish. You can use any brand of the products shown.
Just make sure to use SPAR varnish for boats.

 

[jhow0228]

Depending on roll width. I will need enough material to cover around 36 square feet if I only glass the top of the deck. More like 80 square feet if I glass top, bottom, and supporting structure.

 

[Woodonglass]

CSM and 1708 come in 50" rolls. Soooo a Yard is 50" x 36". It takes about a quart and a half of resin to wet out 1 yard of CSM or Fabric. Soooo if you do it all 80 sq ft. Then you'd need about 9-10 yards of glass and about 3 gallons of resin.
cost wise you're looking at around $300 to do all the work you want to do, top and bottom

 

[jhow0228]

In just fiberglass??? Holy crap... my estimate for materials not including fiberglass was already at $300. I may hold off on this project or find an alternative way to alleviate my storage woes