Ideal for floors

[PT]

I was at work today thinking about the floor in my boat, and i got to wondering has anyone ever used Plexiglass say 1\2 for the floor.It will not Rot ever, it is flat, resin it to the stringers & hull & its there, water should flow. Now the issue of slippery when wet, Carpet it or some type of coating (non skid type).I am almost done with mine wish i had thought of this earlier, but when i do it again if ever i think i look into this seriously. It just seems to me this would be a gr8 way to make it last.

 

[JB]

Re: Ideal for floors

Howdy, PT.<br /><br />I like a man who thinks outside the box.<br /><br />On the other hand, have you priced 1/2" plexiglass lately?

 

[PT]

Re: Ideal for floors

LOL well i priced 1\4 4x8 was $130, but can you price piece of mind Think about it this way. If the plexi cost $250 which i doubt. Add up all the resin for coating plywood,cloth,the plywood itself,I really think you could come out ahead even if ya didnt, this stuff will LAST, not like wood, like i said just an ideal, maybe someone will try it

 

[PT]

Re: Ideal for floors

BTW there is a piece of 1\2 4x8 at work, been laying there for 2 years , I think it may have found a new home

 

[DJ]

Re: Ideal for floors

PT,<br /><br />Very interesting thought!<br /><br />However, I think plexi-glass would immediately crack with any flexing of the hull, especially around the fasteners.

 

[PT]

Re: Ideal for floors

Hmmmm sorry but that plexi want break, maybe a 30-6 will go thought it

 

[bhalsdorf]

Re: Ideal for floors

I have seen posts of people using Lexan for a floor on the fiberglassics website. I know it is more expensive but it also is more flexable than plexiglas. Plexiglas will crack under certain strains and weather conditions where as Lexan being softer will not. But I am not sure if any of this would be a problem at 1/2 inch thickness. Just something to look into before deciding.

 

[BillP]

Re: Ideal for floors

Not that it really mean jack but a 30-06 will go through 1/2" plexiglass like butter.

 

[PT]

Re: Ideal for floors

Ah!!! LEXAN you are correct my friend. My blunder.It may be expensive & depending on the size of the boat could be ridicious, Oh well, I think Lexan is slowly sinking, thanks for your input guys. Back to the drawing board

 

[jomac]

Re: Ideal for floors

plexi want crack!!!!!!!!! try running a drill bit though it a little to fast it will run from one side of the sheet clean to the other quick like trust me i know besides you every tried to get anything to stick to it You want a floor that never rot! check out, most major builders. They now use solid fiberglass and composite& foam layers to make up there stingers and floors Iguess it's the thought that count's

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Ideal for floors

PVC is available in sheet form in various sizes, thicknesses and colors... More flexible and not to awful much $$$ either...<br /><br />Check out your local plastic suppliers.. Just a thought...

 

[evin300]

Re: Ideal for floors

uhhh, whats wrong with wood?

 

[rwerden]

Re: Ideal for floors

check this out<br /> http://www.northstarvinyl.com/21poly_index.htm <br /><br />Looks better than anything ive seen so far

 

[bhalsdorf]

Re: Ideal for floors

Jomac,<br />As toolmaker I have worked extensively with both plexiglas and lexan and I can tell you for a fact that plexiglas will crack. I have seen it happen many many times when just running a drill thru it. Lexan does not crack but a dril will do exactly as you described.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Ideal for floors

me and my cousin invented this formula: <br />1/2" exterior styrofoam sandwiched btw.<br />2 pieces of luan. foam is closed cell so<br />won't absorb water and offers a very nice<br />cushioned feel. very lightweight also.<br />he used some u-shaped pvc to cover all the<br />exposed ends and laid carpet on top...<br />epoxied the luan before assembly and used<br />liquid nails to glue it all together.<br />all because he was too broke and had the <br />items laying around.... time will tell how<br />it holds up, but seems very good after 3 seasons.<br />neccessity is the mother of invention!

 

[Hawkeye1]

Re: Ideal for floors

Mellowyellow, I used the same process on my fishbox. 3 years running now and it still like new. The only difference is I didn't use liquide nails just epoxy. Luan is reall a great wood to user because of its dryness and will soak up a lot of epoxy. Once coated good with epoxy it will stand up well. i use the ex luan and have a couple scrap pieces laying on the patio for a couple months now and still hold together good being wet and dry many times and these are raw pieces no epoxy. I also use 2 layers of luan on my floor covered with 1 layer of 17/08 glass. About a rock soild floor and any I have found in a 23' boat.

 

[DJ]

Re: Ideal for floors

If you want something that is already 99% sealed, take a look at FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood). It's the stuff that tractor trailer and truck van body sides are made of.<br /><br />The tops and bottoms are completely sealed. The edges can be sealed easily with epoxy.<br /><br />Any trailer repair (big rig) should be able to give you supplier information.

 

[flashback]

Re: Ideal for floors

go to home depot and pick up some of those new 1X6 plastic decking boards, probably work pretty good.................

 

[DJ]

Re: Ideal for floors

I wish they would make that stuff in sheets.

 

[flashback]

Re: Ideal for floors

Yea djohns19, that would be nice, but you know, I was thinking you could plank the floor and seal the seams with a flexible polyurethane, it might last a good while. then on the other hand, maybe don't seal it but leave a small gap and let the water/dirt into the bilge and then pump it out. food for thought.....