Hey Guys, I did a search but could not find anything so here is my question. I have a 15' semi-v bottom boat (alum) that has a plywood floor. I am about to replace it and someone suggested that I use aluminum plate instead of wood. Has anyone here ever done this and if so how do you like it? My boat has about wood from the back bench seat by the motor to just short of the bow seat that comes to a point. Also if someone has done this how would you suggest doing it to make it look good and be functional?
I know 2 people that have done that to their boats, but they own a fabrication shop. Get a price on the metal and labor, I beleive the weight that you save on the boat will be less than the weight that you lose from your wallet.You can replace several floors for the cost of material.
aluminum is WAY expensive, and has to be mechanically fastened, either by welding, or riviting, the latter most likely Buck Rivits, which require two people to rivit and special tools rivit them in, as well as access to the rear (underside) You cant just screw it down like wood, the dissimailer metals (steel screws/aluminum plate)will corrode quite quickly i would think. Resin coated wood, will last a long time, provided its not allowed to stay wet all the time. If you have a TIG welder, and/or a couple buddies to help out, id say go for it. But a piece of aluminum that size isn't going to be cheap. Id use wood again if it were me. how about some pics?
As already pointed out, aluminum is expensive and will cost 5-6x as much as a wood floor. Two other points to consider are heat and reflection. Aluminum loves to absorb heat and will get very hot in direct sunlight. What about the sun reflecting off the aluminum. You'll either need welders goggles or cover the floor with carpet. Paint on an aluminum surface won't standup very well to foot traffic. I'm not certain of any weight savings. 1/4" aluminum weighs 3.54 Ib/sq ft. and 3/4" plywood weighs 2.35 Ib/sq ft. Im for the wood approach. Easier to work with, cheaper, lighter and I think quieter as well.
Well, I thought of another question that I think I know but need confermation before I screw up. The last floor that was in my boat did not have anything underneath it to help support it and therefore the floor started to sag due to the pedestal seats I mounted in there. How would be the best way to support the floor? Would adding stringers along the length of the boat (down the center) be the best way or place one on either side of the center?Thanks
replacing floor of fishing boat
I did a search but could not find anything so here is my question. I have a 15' semi-v bottom boat (alum) that has a plywood floor. I am about to replace it and someone suggested that I use aluminum plate instead of wood. Has anyone here ever done this and if so how do you like it? 
My boat has about wood from the back bench seat by the motor to just short of the bow seat that comes to a point. Also if someone has done this how would you suggest doing it to make it look good and be functional?
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