New deck on aluminum boat

[a0wsk1]

I have a 1988 Grumman GSC 16'. I plan to replace all wood and carpeted components of deck and storage. I plan to waterproof each component using fiberglass. In order to properly re-assemble, would I apply resin coat to all sides of wood and then secure it to the frames and fiberglass? My concern is that fiberglass can not be effectively secured to the aluminum and furthermore once the deck is secured to the frame, will the holes through the wood and the edges where the wood meets the aluminum be a site for water to leak through? I'm assuming I would resin coat the wood, secure it to the frame, fill all penetrations, then fiberglass over it and not worry about the edges where it meets the aluminum. I assume there is only one correct order for this project.. please inform!

 

[64osby]

Re: New deck on aluminum boat

Fiberglass would require mat to be laid with it to prevent cracking. Epoxy resin works as a great sealer and doesn't require mat or cloth. Others here will also use spar varnish, but it is not as durable as epoxy.

3M 5200 or 4200 work as excellent sealants for fasteners.

There is a ton of good information in the Restoration thread and in the Starcraft section. Lots of Tinny's here.

Starcraft Boats

Pictures are encouraged (Mandatory )

There is more than one way to skin a cat.

P.S. Schenectady, I was born there. Spent early years in Burnt Hills:joyous:

:welcome:

 

[a0wsk1]

Re: New deck on aluminum boat

User woodonglass recommended using epoxy with ss screws as fasteners as well. I will certainly post pictures once the weather improves a bit.. so cold and dreary up here! So coat decking with epoxy as needed, pre-drill and secure floor to supports, using a sealant in the screw holes, use a filler product along seams and on top of screw heads, then epoxy a few extra coats on as needed? I suppose this method is going to be easier for me than worrying about glassing the surfaces. If i'm replacing side cabinets that have water damage, I assume I would epoxy all of these surfaces as well before carpet and reinstallation? I will post pictures ASAP of what i'm starting with. Any recommendations to my process would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: New deck on aluminum boat

Any recommendations to my process would be greatly appreciated!

Funny you should mention it, I have a couple.

The OEM for aluminum boats these days is to cover all of your pieces seperately and then assemble your boat.

The improved private boat restorer method is to seal all of your pieces individually, then wrap them with your finish, then install them with exposed fasteners. When you've finished installing everything you boat will be done. This enables you to dismantle your boat at any time without messing up your finish (carpet in your case).

If you fasten everything down and then install your finish (carpet) you'll have to rip your carpet up if you ever need to do repairs or modifications.

I used the exposed fastener method on my boat and can take it completely apart without having to destroy my finish or having to install new when I put it back together. This is the thread if you'd like to take a look:
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...ir/97-tracker-pro-deep-v-facelift-509163.html