Sunbird deck replacement

[svilla]

So I got my new carb in the mail. And found out I have to replace a deck. If it is not one thing its something else with boats. So I am going to replace my floor.<br /><br /> Ripped the old carpet up and found that I have fiber glass and mulch for a floor, wierd thing is the stringers are solid and the foam is dry. But I will take some core samples to be on the safe side, after I get the rest of my floor out.<br /><br />So when I get ready to install a new deck would it be wise to use 2 1/4 inch sheets of ply wood with glass in between the sheets then on both sides? Or just get some 1/2 inch and glass top and bottom? I am looking for a sturdy floor and light wheight.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Sunbird deck replacement

I would consider using Diniycell, if you can swing the hefty price. It's way better than anything else for duribility and wieght savings.<br />The H60 H80/R 75 is what you're looking for in min. 1/2"<br /><br />If you go with plywood, which is much cheaper, I'd use 3/8", if you have the stucture underneath to support your wieght. I would paint, rather than glass cot the underside, and the top, I would use "duraback". I have no clue how well this will hold-up, but I do plan on going this route in my own boat.<br />But I'm on a very tight budjet. And Duraback itself is 119 buks before shipping costs (hence, the regular enamel unerbelly.<br />But wood need access to air to be able to dry-out. If you make it too waterproof, the condensation in a moist environment will rot it out faster, and from the inside out,( from what i learned here on iboats).

 

[Realgun]

Re: Sunbird deck replacement

Actually 12footer I disagree 1/2" minimum. Epoxy coat the top, bottom and edges of the pieces. Lay 1 layer of 4 to 6 oz glass on the top after you glue it in. I plan to tape the Hull+floor edges and then cloth over this from side to side. This is extremly strong. The wood is not going to rot as water cannot get to the wood and hopefully you used dry wood to coat.

 

[svilla]

Re: Sunbird deck replacement

Thanks for the help guys. And once again my luck sucks. I have part of the floor ripped up and it decides to rain. Owell lol

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Sunbird deck replacement

Check out the 'rot doctor' website. They have a product called CPES that looks like would be better than epoxy to waterproof the wood first and then glass over the top of that.