Just bought a 'new to me' Mariner 4. Excited to get it into the water. I am already fill up with ideas but also have some questions for experienced users.
1)What makes the plywood floor better than the stock slat flooring? Is it b/c the slats roll in the direction of the travel (riding the wave), that causes it flex somewhat? If so, can you simply brace it by mounting a perpendicular running board(s)?
2)It seems everyone cuts the plywood flooring into 2 or 3 pieces but cuts are always straight at the edge. Why not cut the pieces with reverse dovetail end? This will ensure the pieces fit and somewhat prevent side to side movement (unsure if necessary).
3)For seating, seem most use a fixed mount seat to the floor. Has anyone looked into setting up a rail/track system? This will allow infinite seat/table arrangements AND the rail/track doubles are additional bracing, tying all pieces together. I really like the idea of routing a channel for flush mount T-tracks but I feel the even with 3/4" ply, it is not thick enough. Raised rails like this framing rail are easily doable but not sure if I may trip on them.?. Can easily just mount rails on top of stock slat floors and you have an adjustable system.
4)Why do you carpet the top of the plywood? Wouldn't that hold moisture? Do you step in the boat without shoes to feel the carpeting?
5)Is foam piping cover for the ply wood rim edge really necessary or out of fear/speculation? If it is necessary, thoughts on cutting garden hose and affix that?
6)Weight. I don't think I've see anyone address weight against the seams. My goals is to have a hard fix mount for an 6-8hp outboard. At speed, I would imaging the flooring, carrying hundreds of bls yet is completely isolated from the air tubes, are rubbing pretty hard. I like/seen folks who build a setup using the tubs to carry weight but this raises the height more than I like. Am I overthinking this?
More to come later on how I envision creating launch wheels/dolly wheels on the cheap and adding a bimini (really just trimming to size).
1)What makes the plywood floor better than the stock slat flooring? Is it b/c the slats roll in the direction of the travel (riding the wave), that causes it flex somewhat? If so, can you simply brace it by mounting a perpendicular running board(s)?
2)It seems everyone cuts the plywood flooring into 2 or 3 pieces but cuts are always straight at the edge. Why not cut the pieces with reverse dovetail end? This will ensure the pieces fit and somewhat prevent side to side movement (unsure if necessary).
3)For seating, seem most use a fixed mount seat to the floor. Has anyone looked into setting up a rail/track system? This will allow infinite seat/table arrangements AND the rail/track doubles are additional bracing, tying all pieces together. I really like the idea of routing a channel for flush mount T-tracks but I feel the even with 3/4" ply, it is not thick enough. Raised rails like this framing rail are easily doable but not sure if I may trip on them.?. Can easily just mount rails on top of stock slat floors and you have an adjustable system.
4)Why do you carpet the top of the plywood? Wouldn't that hold moisture? Do you step in the boat without shoes to feel the carpeting?
5)Is foam piping cover for the ply wood rim edge really necessary or out of fear/speculation? If it is necessary, thoughts on cutting garden hose and affix that?
6)Weight. I don't think I've see anyone address weight against the seams. My goals is to have a hard fix mount for an 6-8hp outboard. At speed, I would imaging the flooring, carrying hundreds of bls yet is completely isolated from the air tubes, are rubbing pretty hard. I like/seen folks who build a setup using the tubs to carry weight but this raises the height more than I like. Am I overthinking this?
More to come later on how I envision creating launch wheels/dolly wheels on the cheap and adding a bimini (really just trimming to size).
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