fixing deck rot

[RobDar]

My 1989 Bass Tracker boat has a small hole caused from rot (about the size of your foot...my cover had a leak). I am just going to replace the whole front fishing deck (I have some hardware that needs to be replaced anyway...two of the aluminum tabs the deck is screwed to have stripped out).<br />Should I use actual marine ply or is pressure treated okay? <br />Are there any other products available?<br />I am going to recarpet the deck when I am done.

 

[bayman]

Re: fixing deck rot

Good question there. Depending on how it is used, those are 2 good options. There are other options as well. I recommend doing a few searches here in the iboats forums within the boat building forum. There is a lot of great info there.<br /><br />My personal preference is to use a good plywood which I then coat with epoxy and fiberglass...depends on what I'm using it for though.

 

[Solittle]

Re: fixing deck rot

You will get your best input by posting this in the Restoration Section. The Search is a great tool but unfortunately is is not working properly now.<br /><br />As to your question - marine ply is OK but an overkill. Pressure treated would seem to be the best but it is not as it is too wet from the pressure treatment for the resin to penetrate or adhere to. I don't know the grade of plywood but the best will have one side without blemish. You need to soak it thoroughly (especially the edges)with epoxy (not poly)resin. After it is thoroughly cured put another coat on with fiberglass cloth on both top and bottom.<br /><br />When you reinstall cleats or other hardware on the new deck be sure to use something like 3m 4200 sealer around the holes.

 

[contractor]

Re: fixing deck rot

The exact same problem I had on my 86 Tracker.<br />I replaced their plywood with 5/8" marine grade.<br />I sold the boat in 1999. The deck was as solid then as it was when I did it in 1990. I also used that as an opportunity to rewire to heavier gauge wire(6 ga.) for my trolling motor.<br />Where the aluminum had stripped out, I used thread-certs that have machine threads, used flat head phillips machine screws in stainless steel and installed new carpet over the deck.

 

[RobDar]

Re: fixing deck rot

thanks guys....<br />I posted to the restoration section as well...actually better responses here! LOL!<br /><br />(SoLittle) The good grade ply coated in epoxy is exactly what my father suggested. He built a few of the little Cris Craft kit boats back in the 40's and 50's. I will have to give this option some serious thought I think.<br /><br />(Wayne813)The rewiring of my trolling motor was the best thing I ever did! I will bet my performance is up by 20-30% and my batteries last considerably longer!