rebuilding spectrum deck

[Lonsspectrum]

I was wondering how to tell if foam is still good. Seems good. Wood was saturated n rotten. Has 2 longitudinal sprinters with no foam in middle. Not sure if Coon removed it or not. Seen him do a barrel roll when I pulled boat out its 4 year resting place.
Also was wondering if there is a cheaper substitute for marine wood and if so the best way to go about installation.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: rebuilding spectrum deck

Get a piece of 2" PVC about a foot or two long...cut some teeth into one end and drill a hole in the other end through both sides, then shove a dowel through the holes, like a T-handle...use this contraption to drill some core samples into the foam...
Dry=OK
Wet=remove & replace...

 

["B"]

Re: rebuilding spectrum deck

Lonsspectrum, I have an 89 that the floor is rotted in the front area due to the windshield and front cover fitment . Please post any pictures of your project so we can see what's hiding in there. As far as wood goes you could use wolmanized plywood. You want to make sure it is thoroughly dry and then paint it or seal it with a good quality paint/sealer. Then reinstall the carpet, but some have put down a vinyl sealer that helps with footing and you don't have to worry about dirt or worms or fish guts getting in the carpet. Any way good luck and keeps us posted.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: rebuilding spectrum deck

This maybe of interest (from elsewhere):
The treated lumber is treated with ACQ (Alkali-Copper-Quaternary). Stainless steel, double dipped hot galvanized steel or coated with something that has a "Z" rating are the only metals that can be in direct contact with ACQ treated lumber.
Aluminum is extremely reactive with ACQ.
The old CCA and the newer ACQ resist mold and mildew, but they were never moisture resistant. They were designed to resist insects.

Bottom line it is an extremely caustic material that you don't want anywhere near your aluminum boat.

The pressure treated plywood available at most lumber yards is not an ideal choice for boat building. It is usually heavy, it's usually expensive, it can still be 'damp' from the chemical treating, and unless kiln dried it can warp & twist a great deal as it air dries. Until it is extremely dry, it can also be hard to seal w/ paint, epoxy or fiberglass & resin (adhesion problems).

A good quality exterior grade plywood, and properly sealed will hold up very well if you maintain your boat, keep it covered when not in use, bow up & the drain plug removed.

Welcome to iboats LoneS & best of luck w/ your project......

 

[ezmobee]

Re: rebuilding spectrum deck

Spectrums are aluminum. So pressure treated is a NO NO NO!

 

["B"]

Re: rebuilding spectrum deck

Spectrums are aluminum. So pressure treated is a NO NO NO!

OoohYeaaah, seems I read something about that a few years back when I was dealing with an aluminum horse trailer. Sorry about that.

 

[Lonsspectrum]

Re: rebuilding spectrum deck

I was wondering how to tell if foam is still good. Seems good. Wood was saturated n rotten. Has 2 longitudinal sprinters with no foam in middle. Not sure if Coon removed it or not. Seen him do a barrel roll when I pulled boat out its 4 year resting place.
Also was wondering if there is a cheaper substitute for marine wood and if so the best way to go about installation.

Ok. one side was saturated other side dry as a bone. Was wondering how hard liquid foam is to use? Can you get a spray foam? any substitutes for marine wood? 10mm x 8 x 4 = $100 - Aluminum boat.

Was thinking bout laying plastic to help contain foam inside of springer and possibly using garbadge bags - fastening wood on and going for it but with 45 seconds to pour not sure it will expand up to side of boat where wood meets side?

Anyone done it ? any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. would like to get it right first time!