1975 16' Starcraft restoring question?

[hmoobphab]

I will be doing the whole flooring of my 1975 16' Starcraft... but my question is that when i am finished with putting the new stingers in place (stingers are something like 1-2x8x14 and 2-2x6x10 green treated studs or something like that), i plan to foam the whole bottom with the 2 part closed cell 4lb foam... then cover the whole floor with 1/2 inch thick of green treated plywood and carpet it so forth... is this ok? i really don't care much on how responsive the boat is either... just gonna be a fishing boat... and the reason why i want to foam the whole bottom of my starcraft is that it probably helps stiffen/support the bottom portion of the boat so if my son ever hits some kind of rock it wont be wrecked that easily... This means that the hull will be filled with foam and no more open hole in the hull in the rear to let the water out... but i will make a hole above the floor so that if i decide to clean the floor... the water will exit thru that hole above the floor... i just what to know what you all think about this... if its okay to do or dont do it.... any answer is greatly appreciated...

 

[HONKER1]

Re: 1975 16' Starcraft restoring question?

Sorry...But I am against the treated plywood on a aluminum boat. Treated plywood has copper in it, and copper and aluminum don't mix. Better to use a good grade of 1/2" plywood and coat with resin and then put your carpet down. For a fishing boat I would use a good marine vinyl floor, easier to wash down all those fish scales.
Also I would box out an area in the stern for a bilge pump. Water will get below the floor, and you need to get it out before the foam starts to adsord the water. The boat will become very heavy with all that trapped water.
Also leave the drain for below the floor. You will need it.
I had a '72 starcraft and a '86 Starcraft and the stringers were aluminum. If you feel you want more floor support, use aluminum. I put a trap door in my floor (to help keep air circulating to dry that area) and reinforced that area of the floor with aluminum angle metal and aluminum pop rivets.
Do some SEARCHES on the flooring. The knowledge on this website is endless.

 

[hmoobphab]

Re: 1975 16' Starcraft restoring question?

Actually its fiberglass... aluminum sounds good... just might do that and let the hull be open...

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: 1975 16' Starcraft restoring question?

I was thinking your boat was aluminum also. Your plan to use PT stringers and foam should be fine for a fiberglass hull.

 

[HONKER1]

Re: 1975 16' Starcraft restoring question?

Sorry Hmoobphab about the tunnel vision. I knew Starcraft made a glass boat, but aluminum & Starcraft are like peanut butter and jam to me.
Anyway I would still try to install a drain and a bilge pump in the lowest part of the boat.