Floor question

I'm restoring a 19' Larson Lapliner (1972). In front of the gas tank, close to the engine there is a hole in the flooring. It doesn't go all the way through. It's made of fiberglass. Should I repair this with fiberglass or just put some plywood over it? The hole is about the size of a childs foot.

Re: Floor question

If the fiberglass floor covering is worn through to the plywood below and the plywood itself is in good shape then you can just reglass that spot. Clean and sand real good 1st so that the new glass will stick to the plywood.

If the plywood isn't in good shape you can cut that section of floor out with a small skillsaw or jigsaw set to a 45 degree angle with the angle facing towards the center of the hole to be cut, also be careful to keep the cut square. Next cut a new piece with the same 45 degree angle and same outside dimensions as the hole you cut. Place the new piece in place and check for fit. If done right, the new piece should sit level with the rest of the floor. If it all looks good, glue it in place with a water resistant glue. After the glue has fully cured, glass it back over, let the glass fully cure and then paint.

If you have to cut a section of the floor out you should take a look undeneath at the stringers and the underneath of the rest of the floor to check for rot.

Good Luck.

Re: Floor question

That helps a lot! Thanks!