Plywood bass boat floor or high density foam?

[Latraveler]

Ok, it appears from the minimal probing and opening of the deck that I should probably pull the cap and address the entire floor of my champ 168. I had hoped this might be a quick fix, service the motor and get back on the water. I currently have enough projects, but I hate to do a slipshod job (Note: a slipshod job may actually last my remaining lifetime). Does anyone have an opinion on replacing the plywood deck with a high density foam product? I found a site on the making of "Key West" boats that indicated the use of "Klegicell". Not sure of the spelling that seemed to be the pronunciation. I did find a product called AIREX C70 universal structural PVC foam that looks like the product mentioned in the key west clip. It wouldn't seem to make that much of a weight difference given the small square footage of deck on my boat but that is only presumption. Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions or experience involving these products or switching out the plywood for them?

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

not sure on the construction of your boat

however boats like the Key West and Whalers and Carolina Skiff are made with two fiberglass tubs (inner and outer) with foam in between. completely different style of boat compared to your Champion

your boat was not built with the technique. it is traditional stringers and deck.

to get the strength back in your boat, you need to use similar construction as it was designed, however do a better job with the fiberglassing of the stringers, etc.

unless you have a naval architect degree, I wouldnt try to re-invent your boat.

look at the DIY stickies at the top of the forum. read links 14 and 18, then move on to 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.

 

[Latraveler]

Thanks for the response. I'm no boat expert and wouldn't second guess the engineers who designed and constructed the boat. I don't mind updating/improving the boat as long as its integrity is not compromised. Most people here will have much more expertise than I on this subject since I have none.

 

[Scott Danforth]

most people on this site couldnt spell boat when they came here....however by becoming an active part of the iBoats community, knowledge is gained and shared.

that being said, did you look at the links in the stickies? link 14 with all the pictures and video is pretty comprehensive.

 

[Latraveler]

Thanks, I did review it and yes it’s extremely thorough. Fortunately I replaced the tools I lost in the flood and which I used to gut, restore and remodel my house. The best thing is I won’t have to live/sleep in my boat while I fix it!

 

[Woodonglass]

IMHO, properly glassed plywood and Good Care and Maintenance is all that's required to do a restoration that will last for decades. The composite materials are nice but pricey and don't offer that much benefit unless you're 100% sure that this boat is gunna be in the Family forever.