new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

[samtron]

Hi, I'm re-flooring my boat.

the plywood I pulled up looks to be un-treated 5 ply.

It measures between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch.

I went to lowes and looked for 5 ply exterior and couldn't find it. They had 4 ply that said approx 1/2" which wasn't quite as thick as what came out. They had approx 5/8" which was just a tad thicker and they had 3/4" which I could tell by simply looking was too thick.

If I was re-doing the entier floor it wouldn't matter but only the back half has a soft spot the front is fine I see no need to replace it for nothing.

So my question is where in the heck would one find 5 ply exterior plywood? would one assume when my flooring was new it was 1/2" plywood and over the years of skiing etc with water getting on it that it has exspanded at bit?

Seems like nowhere has 5 ply plywood it's either 3, or 4 and at different thicknesses than what I need.

any suggestions? thats why I joined this forum I saw I wasn't going to find the answer easy so thought I would give this place a try. Like I said only a litte bit of the back was bad and I pulled that section up and the amount I pulled up was only about 25% of the flooring. The rest is like new plus I'm on a budget. Thanks in advance!

 

[oops!]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

hi.....welcome to i boats.....

youve found the right place.....the guys here really know there stuff.

as far as the deck goes....1/2 inch ext grade plywood will work great.....if you fiberglass both sides.

if you arent going to glass it....(highly reccomended) then you can go to 5/8ths. but the glass will add stiffnes and the water proofing you need.

im courious.....have you done a core sample on the foam in your boat? everything may "look" good.....but it might not be.

search "core sample" and take a few......usaually the boats rots from the bottom up.....so you dont want to dao all that work ands still have water under there to rot out your new un protected plywood.

cheers
oops

 

[samtron]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

There is foam and it seems dry. What I would like to do is find some 5ply plywood which hopefully isthe same thickness that way it matches up to whats in the boat now.

if I go 1/2 or 5/8 it won't match perfectly, some wouldn't care but I know I would probably notice.

I don't know why you can't seem to find 5 ply plywood. Is it something thats not done anymore or something?

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

A layer or two of glass/resin will more than makeup for the missing ply

 

[samtron]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

where can i simply buy 5ply though? anyone know.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

If you are lucky, Lowes and Home Depot will have it... The last time I was looking for it they didn't have it, but saw it there a few weeks ago... Kind of hit and miss.

Your local lumber yard (not Home Depot or Lowes) is the best place to find it.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

Go to a good old fashion lumber yard, if they don't have it they'll get it for you.

 

[oops!]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

marine ply has more plys than standard plywood.

if you were to find 1/2 inch marine....you would most likely find 5 ply......but get your wallett out.

bear in mind....that unless you glass it....it will feel soft under foot to any one with average body weight. if done properly, it will allmost double the stiffness of the plywood.

 

[djneff2]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

Google 1/2" plywood 5 ply.
It is available. 1/2" is 1/2". You can even get more ply's.

Your existing wood is more than likely swelled from moisture, glass it out to the same thickness even if you need to place masking tape on the leading edge of the existing and glass too it.

Are you placing carpet over the floor?

Here is a site I Googled. http://www.weberply.com/newcatalog-14.pdf

I am replacing the floor in my boat now and while I am doing it I am rebuilding the transom while I have everything tore apart.

Good Luck!!

 

[samtron]

Re: new here 1st post, need help on re-flooring

thanks, if you guys think a lumbur yard would have 1/2" 5ply plywood I'll give a local one a try.