1980 SS 181 rebuild.

[wvmedic]

Hello all.

I just bought a SS 181 back that I bought in 2009. It has went through a few hands, deck has been replaced and needs it again. I am not sure what ply was used or if there is any flotation in it. The previous owners have really jack legged a lot of things, using drywall screws, tapacon screws and the like, heavy silicone around the windshield, what looks to be house paint on the hull.....

I am slowly tearing it down, used some citristrip on a section of the hull and it appears that is going to work well.

So trying to formulate a game plan and decide what I am going to use on the deck. I'm thinking ACX over marine grade. Another thing I haven't decided on is sealing the plywood. I was going to epoxy it, then reading on here about the possibility of it cracking and allowing water intrusion. I've thought about the Old Timmer method, I will be using nautolex vinyl for the floor and sides. I'm not sure what glue would stick with the Old Timmer's formula though. Then I thought about leaving it as is and just putting the vinyl over it. I've read many threads involving the OTF but only one with putting vinyl over it and there wasn't a clear resolution as to what glue would work.

Any suggestions from the seasoned here?

I'm 56 years young and I only want to do this once. The plan is to make this a Walleye fishing boat on some decent size Canadian lakes. I think an OB boat would have been better, but the 181 is what I found. We will mostly use it as a pleasure boat here in WV with some fishing involved.

Thank you, Jeff

 

[MNhunter1]

My standard for decking is ACX ply, sealed with Helmsman Spar, and topped with Nautolex vinyl. I use the ACX for the transom too, but that I typical seal with a two part epoxy. My boats are garage kept and covered to the elements. Most of the damage on these old decks are from years of abuse, being left uncovered to the elements, rain, snow, sun, etc. and other neglect.

 

[wvmedic]

Thank you MNhunter1, I appreciate the response.

I'm still debating epoxy vs the Old Timers Formula.

The one issue I'm trying to figure out is. Will I be able to glue the Nautolex down, and with what glue?

My 2019 Alumacraft came with Nautolex and I really like it. I plan to wrap each section of floor with it, staple the back side 3 or 4 inch overlap with SS staples and glue the field. That way if a need arises, I can pull whatever section I need to. I'll fasten the deck with screws as well.

The reason for considering the OTF is I spoke to RAKA and they said I could expect 100 to 120 sq ft of coverage per gallon of their thinned epoxy. So for the floor alone I figure 2 1/2 gallon. If the OTF will last 30 years, I likely will not be around then. So I can live with that.

Jeff

 

[Rasdiir]

Thank you MNhunter1, I appreciate the response.

I'm still debating epoxy vs the Old Timers Formula.

The one issue I'm trying to figure out is. Will I be able to glue the Nautolex down, and with what glue?

My 2019 Alumacraft came with Nautolex and I really like it. I plan to wrap each section of floor with it, staple the back side 3 or 4 inch overlap with SS staples and glue the field. That way if a need arises, I can pull whatever section I need to. I'll fasten the deck with screws as well.

The reason for considering the OTF is I spoke to RAKA and they said I could expect 100 to 120 sq ft of coverage per gallon of their thinned epoxy. So for the floor alone I figure 2 1/2 gallon. If the OTF will last 30 years, I likely will not be around then. So I can live with that.

Jeff

I'm interested in responses about the glue, I've also been debating what to use and I'm going to be ready to wrap in a few weeks.

 

[MNhunter1]

I'm interested in responses about the glue, I've also been debating what to use and I'm going to be ready to wrap in a few weeks.

3M80, Contact Cement, or the Nautolex adhesive. Whichever way you go, I would hit the glossy surface with an orbital sander to give it some teeth. Mechanically secure the edges with stainless staples. I've generally went with the 3M80 on the decking and Contact Cement on any aluminum.