Have acquired a '87 Sweetwater 16' pontoon. The 12' x 6' deck is weak and needs replaced.
I've sourced both Marine ABX and Exterior ACX plywood about a 4hr round trip drive from home.
The Marine ply is Douglas Fir and $79. The Exterior ply is Pine and $42. Both are 7 ply.
The boat will be on a trailer stored outside exposed to weather when not on the water. Will make a tarp to secure over the boat once all is complete.
I'm really leaning toward the more affordable Exterior ply for $150 vs the more expensive Marine ply. $240 is half the price I paid for the pontoon.
What life span should I expect from the Marine and Exterior plywoods.
From what I've read the is some debate over the weather proofing the plywood.
Some say to apply sides, top AND BOTTOM.
Some say to apply to sides and top only, not the bottom.
Leaning toward Not doing the bottom.
As far as waterproofing, plan on 1 part polyester resin and catalyst with 5 part acetone, apply and let dry, then repeat using less acetone each time until the final coat of just polyester resin. then sand and a final coat of epoxy resin. then sand and carpet.
Any water splashed up from lake can drain off bottom of the plywood while at the house and rain/snow can do the same.
I will turn this into a build post when I get started. prob not until spring.
Thoughts?
I've sourced both Marine ABX and Exterior ACX plywood about a 4hr round trip drive from home.
The Marine ply is Douglas Fir and $79. The Exterior ply is Pine and $42. Both are 7 ply.
The boat will be on a trailer stored outside exposed to weather when not on the water. Will make a tarp to secure over the boat once all is complete.
I'm really leaning toward the more affordable Exterior ply for $150 vs the more expensive Marine ply. $240 is half the price I paid for the pontoon.
What life span should I expect from the Marine and Exterior plywoods.
From what I've read the is some debate over the weather proofing the plywood.
Some say to apply sides, top AND BOTTOM.
Some say to apply to sides and top only, not the bottom.
Leaning toward Not doing the bottom.
As far as waterproofing, plan on 1 part polyester resin and catalyst with 5 part acetone, apply and let dry, then repeat using less acetone each time until the final coat of just polyester resin. then sand and a final coat of epoxy resin. then sand and carpet.
Any water splashed up from lake can drain off bottom of the plywood while at the house and rain/snow can do the same.
I will turn this into a build post when I get started. prob not until spring.
Thoughts?