fixing a party barge

[averietyson]

Hi. I'm fixing up an old pontoon boat and the deck is completely rotten. I'm trying to do this as inexpensive as i can but i also want it to be safe and sturdy. Do i absolutely have to use marine grade plywood? If not what else would work? Thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: fixing a party barge

Absolutely NOT!!! Exterior Grade will be just fine. It uses 100% waterproof glue just like Marine Grade. Main diff is the Ply's. Marine has very little voids so therefore is stronger. If you're picky at the yard you can get some pretty good stuff in the ext. grade. Make sure to use some kind of sealant on the wood if you want it to last. If you are looking for CHEAP then several coats of Polyurethane will give you up to 3-5 years of life. Next step up would be Poly resin and 1.5 oz mat using 5/8" ply. Probably the Best would be Epoxy coating 3/4" ply but it also depends on the substructure for the deck. If you have good cross members etc. you Might be able to get by with lighter weight ply. What's on it now. Lighter is better. Post some pics, especially of the substructure. It will help us to help you. I would NOT advise using TREATED plywood. The chemical can sometimes have adverse reactions with the aluminum.

 

[averietyson]

reply

reply

Absolutely NOT!!! Exterior Grade will be just fine. It uses 100% waterproof glue just like Marine Grade. Main diff is the Ply's. Marine has very little voids so therefore is stronger. If you're picky at the yard you can get some pretty good stuff in the ext. grade. Make sure to use some kind of sealant on the wood if you want it to last. If you are looking for CHEAP then several coats of Polyurethane will give you up to 3-5 years of life. Next step up would be Poly resin and 1.5 oz mat using 5/8" ply. Probably the Best would be Epoxy coating 3/4" ply but it also depends on the substructure for the deck. If you have good cross members etc. you Might be able to get by with lighter weight ply. What's on it now. Lighter is better. Post some pics, especially of the substructure. It will help us to help you. I would NOT advise using TREATED plywood. The chemical can sometimes have adverse reactions with the aluminum.

thanks for the advice. I appreciate you takin the time. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow.

 

[Fireman431]

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Try something different if you want a "true" party barge. I always thought using 5/4" decking boards would look cool as heck cruising down the river with a tiki hut on it! It would look like a floating dock or party island!

 

[Cadwelder]

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I watched an episode of "How Its Made" a few months back on pontoon boats, and although I'm not a fan of PT plywood (for anything) that is what the manufacturer used for the deck. They had rubber strips between the wood and the aluminum brackets. They didn't treat it or seal it with anything. Glued carpet right over the plywood and continue the assembly process.

 

[lncoop]

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Re: reply

As others have said, PT with protection between it and any metal will be fine. As more pontoon specific questions occur to you you might consider posting them in the Pontoon section. I know you're doing a resto, but barges are a breed apart and several of the guys and gals over there have done what you're doing. Also, one of the guys (5150abf) works at Bennington, so if you really get stumped you can always ask him. Good luck on the labor of love.