Deck replacement questions

[Bonstrosity]

I have been looking around the forum and am thinking about replacing the deck on my 1986 Bayliner Capri 16ft. It has one soft spot from where everyone gets in the boat when I got it and it's just bothered me. I'd also like to take out the back to back seats and put it captains chairs. Ideally I'd like to make the the most cost effective as possible while still getting the job done right. So here go some questions.

1. I have an angle grinder and am thinking that'll be used to cut out the floor...what kind of disk should I use? All I can find are metal and mason cutting disks. How about sanding? any suggestions would be great.

2. How much resin am I going to need? also is the bondo brand any good? I can get that locally but I like the price on the polyester resin at uscomposites.com. Also from that website which resin should I be using?

3. What kind of mat should I use? woven or biaxle and how much will I need? I will put a sheet over the top of the plywood along with going around the edges to attach the floor.

4. I'd like to epoxy the floor with some sort of bedliner type epoxy instead of placing carpet back in, any recommendations that are not too expensive?

5. How much plywood will I need? Can I get by w/ 2 sheets of marine grade if I plan my cuts right?

Thanks a lot, I'm looking to price this out before I start so I can get everything I need before starting. I'll be getting new seats locally also unless anyone has a website w/ seats and posts that are not too expensive.

 

[chrishayes]

Re: Deck replacement questions

First, check out the stickey that is at the top of this forum. I had the same questions and they were answered there quite well. Always use the search function for something this standard. Most wont want to answer this due to it already being worn out 100 times a day. The info you want is all inside the search database.

To your seats, try www.cabelas.com or here at iboats store.

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: Deck replacement questions

Vinyl flooring is one option. Its doesn't hold water like carpet and is generally cheaper and more comfortable than a spray in liner.

Also, be prepared for the worst when opening up the floor. I had intentions of replacing the deck in my old bowrider. Removing the deck revealed a lot of structural problems with the stringers. I couldn't bring myself to put a deck over a bad set of stringers, but I also couldn't bring myself to put in new stringers! I sold the boat as it was. If I would have left it alone I could have used the boat a couple more years before getting rid of her. Sometimes its better just to use it as long as possible and then trade up. Unless your really attached to it...

Best of luck..