Another flooring ?

[BigDaddy300]

In the process of replacing the floor in my aluminum boat. This will be the second time with the first being about 8 years ago when I first got the boat. It held up good for the most part. It was garage kept but I know now that I never opened it up enough to dry out. I do believe the floor started rotting from the underside. I used exterior plywood and coated it liberally with Helmsman spar-urethane back then. The question is what is the best coating that i can use now to make it last as long as possible. I have been researching and epoxy, polyurethane, and other coatings keep coming up. I am also considering adding some small vent/drain holes in the corners to help dry it out. Hopefully with the vents and hatches open in conjunction with a small blower or fan in the back compartment it will dry easier.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[artherm]

Re: Another flooring ?

I have a friend that went through what you have twice also. This last time he replaced the wood with aluminum plate. This is costly, but you only do it once. The replacement, should reinforce your boat, as well as add value if you plan on selling. Maybe 1/4" plate, depending on where your struts are.