Grinding on hull for floor replacement

[N over my head]

While cutting out my floor in my fiberglass boat, I used a multi tool about a quarter inch out from the edge of the hull to cut old tie in where plywood floor connects to hull. It left an edge that is was wondering how much of that I needed to grind off. Does it need to be feather edged smooth with the hull before installing new floor, or just taken down so as it’s not a lip sticking out in the way of the new floor. I guess what I’m trying to say is, when plywood floor was installed at factory it was butted up to the hull. It was then shot over with a chopper gun to tie plywood into hull. This left a thicker hull above plywood floor than below. Should this edge be taken down flush with the thickness of the hull above the old wood on floor, or does it need to be feathereded in flush with fiberglass that was below the old wood?

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Some grind it down smooth, some leave that lip and tab into that. As long as you grind down to the pink clean fiberglass, you’re good to go. I personally ground mine smooth.

 

[Chris1956]

I would feather the edge of the old fiberglass. When you lay the new glass to tie the new deck too the hull, make the first layer 1/4" overlap, the second layer 1/2" overlap and so on. In your case use several layers of light cloth, versus chop strand mat.

That will give the smoothest joint, although it is the most work.

Alternatively, grind the old FG down ~ 3/16" and lay a single piece of 1.5oz mat over it. The difference will be too small to notice under carpet or vinyl.

 

[Beachcraft170E]

As long as you can glass over it with no air bubbles or gap under it, you're fine. You can use peanut butter to fair it out and lay your new glass on it.

 

[N over my head]

Thanks guys for the replies. It’s good to have this forum to be able to ask questions. Sometimes I’m not sure which way to go with things and I get to feeling overwhelmed. Thank y’all for your help.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Thanks guys for the replies. It’s good to have this forum to be able to ask questions. Sometimes I’m not sure which way to go with things and I get to feeling overwhelmed. Thank y’all for your help.

Just take it one step at a time. You’ll be fine. Good luck on your build, you’re well on your way.