Replacing plywood on boat floor

marybethwise

Recruit
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2
We set out to replace the carpet on our 1989 Sanger boat and found the plywood floors underneath damaged due to water rot. We have since replaced the plywood ourselves with marine grade plywood and have secured it in place.

The problem is the plywood does not cover the entire width of the boat. There are gaps on the side. The gap slopes downward toward the middle of the boat making it hard to fill.

What do you suggest we fill it with before we begin the fiberglass process?
 

tdrudd87

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
288
Re: Replacing plywood on boat floor

Was there foam under the deck? Were your stringers solid? Did you seal the bottom of the deck?

The easiest way is to make up a peanut butter mixture to smooth the gap, and then glass the deck in. Check out oop's hull extension thread to see how to do it.

Terry
 

marybethwise

Recruit
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
2
Re: Replacing plywood on boat floor

Hi
Thanks for your reply. No, there wasn't and isn't foam under the deck. The bottom of the boat and stringers are both in great condition and are fiberglassed nicely.

Can you explain what a peanut butter mixture is?

Thanks
 

clockwatcher

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 8, 2009
Messages
289
Re: Replacing plywood on boat floor

Peanut butter is resin mixed with wood flour to the consistancy of pb (i.e. it stays on the mixing stick). If the gap is larger than 1/4 inch or the hull slopes away too quickly, you may need to glue 1x1 inch peices of wood under the gap to hold the glue and the new floor. You need a footing to support the floor. Then 2 or 3 layers of fiberglass tape should be glued over the gap to secure the new floor to the hull. You want to make absolutely sure that no water can enter the gap when you are finished and that the new floor doesn't move, rattle and knock against the hull. The pb is strong, but it works best when it's sealed in with fiberglass to spread the forces.

You've already dropped the cash on 2 or 3 sheets of marine ply, you might as well cover the new floor with a layer of 6 oz. fiberglass cloth and resin. This will seal the floor for many years to come. Otherwise, you'll be doing this again in a few years.
 
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