New deck, how do I start?

[dubnvento]

I want to replace the deck in 1965 Larson 14ft runabout but don't know how I start this process. Where should I make my first cuts and what should I look for. Is there a way to cut some test holes?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New deck, how do I start?

drill a hole in the center and see how thick the deck is. set your circular saw to that depth. start in the center and cut out a 2ftx2ft square, and see what's there. the progress to the outer edges, or till you get to good dry wood.

 

[csendker]

Re: New deck, how do I start?

Here's how I pulled off the deck on my '70 Luger 14' runabout: there was already a hole in the back by the drain plug, so I found the deck thickness there. As suggested, I set my circular saw depth to just about deck thickness and sawed a strip out about 3-4" wide right down the centerline. Then I crefully cut some lines cross-wise toward but not up to the sides. Just pull the decking up from there, mine was rotted out so nothing held very much.

Be prepared for surprises and progressing on to the fun of stringer & transom replacement. I found this:

Yikes! If your floor is shot, likely the stringers too. If you pull it all out like I did, try to keep a mark or something to reset the floor level upon rebuild.