Decking Question

[ivan_ogburn]

I am about to replace the deck (floorboards) on my boat (1950s non-wood). Of course the old deck was marine plywood, covered with carpet<br />Before I go out and replace it with the exact same (and boring) decking is there anything else available that would have more style than plywood and carpet?<br />Could I use individual decking boards? (like teak)<br />Is there available some fancy type of marine plywood with a look similar to that of old wooden boat decking (with cording)?<br /><br />Any suggestions would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Ivan

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Decking Question

You can put down whatever you like. As long as someone knows how to do it. Being honest with you . Ask around when you have a solid idea in mind. Good luck.--------There is a expensive plywood --+200 a sheet-- that has real a teak board design and available in white or black caulk lines. Beautifull but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: Decking Question

Ivan, does your boat have floatation foam under the floor? Are you going to replace the foam? How big is your boat and what kind of hull design is it? Deep "V", flat, tri-hull? Do you want to keep water out from under the floor? There are a lot of considerations when you consider changing the original floor design. If you have individual boards for looks, consider the fact that you'll have ten times as many joints to seal instead of just the perimeter of the plywood and a few intermediate joints. Will floatation foam ooze up between the boards when it is poured and expands. Will you have a transparent finish so that you can enjoy the look of the individual boards? Epoxy resin is commonly used to laminate fiberglass cloth over the floor to waterproof it and attach it to the hull. Epoxy needs to be protected from UV or it will chaulk. You likely be painting the floor or covering it with some form of carpet or other covering. The floor provides rigidity and support to the boat. When you remove all the flooring you should be able to notice the difference after that support is removed. And you thought you had a simple question!!

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Decking Question

The floor really needs to be a single unit that is glassed to the hull. The floor, hull, transom, and stringers form the single structure required for strength. Individual boards would give you a boat that is not structurally sound.<br /><br />Now, you could rebuild your floor in the conventional way (with ply and glass), and lay some sort of veneer on top, maybe teak in a sort of format like Pergo flooring, glueing the boards down. You would then need to seal the heck out of the surface to prevent the boards from buckling. Finally, having a conventional floor with a layment of teak on top will add weight, which is a consideration.<br /><br />You have not mentioned what type or size of boat, which will also make a difference. Good luck...

 

[treedancer]

Re: Decking Question

You could wood grain it are as it is called now foux painting in my younger days used to do that.<br /> That could be done after it has been glassed in and covered with epoxy.Probly have to cover with some darkened epoxy after it is done to keep it from fading .<br /> Could also give it a granite finish that would be something different. Go on Amazon and type in faux finish and see what comes up.