Removing my deck to replace

[jupiter934]

Hey guys
This is my 1st post so tell me if I do anything wrong please. Anyways I want to redo the deck in my 1995 15ft backwater skiff(getting soft). I have found alot of info on what to use to replace the deck and how to install it. What I would like to know it the best way to remove the old floor? im going to use a circular saw set to the depth of the floor. I also plan to use the old floor as a template. But thats all I have found on removal. How is the floor going to be attached to the stringers and bulkheads? whats the best why to get it out without tearing it up?
Thanks looking forward to this project

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Removing my deck to replace

A circular saw will work well, just make sure you're depth is correct & always know where you're cutting. I used a combination of saws, dremel tool, chisels & crow bar. MAKE YOU HAVE PROPER GEAR before grinding or cutting too much. You DO NOT want to be breathing in fiberglass dust. You can try to use the old deck a template, but don't be surprise if it comes out in a 1000 pieces.

I'm sure a mod will move this to the restore thread. You'll better feedback. There are ton of restore threads here, so do your homework before tackling too much.

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: Removing my deck to replace

I redid the decks, beefed-up the stringers and added two ribs when I replaced the floor in my 20 foot Rinker cuddy. Once I had the initial hole cut (I did it with a circular saw as you indicated)...I then went after all of it with a side grinder with a cutting blade. Once the interior of the hull was exposed I removed the old gas tank, ordered a new one and then took marine grade plywood and cut strips to 'sister-in' ....It just bothered me when I looked down at just 3/4 inch vertical piece of wood to support the new deck. So I added two pieces of 3/4 inch plywood to each of the stringers, thru bolted them with stainless steel bolts....made two additional ribs because I felt there too much space between the ones that originally came with the boat...made them wide also....then, before installing the new deck I used West Marine epoxy to cover all exposed wood and I fibreglassed everything to the boat (careful...you have to grind the old glass surfaces...invest in a good mask.....so that the new chemicals bind...West Marine has a good instructional site.) Then working off the stringer I made have the deck template out of cardboard and installed it in two pieces. Glued it with Gorilla Glue and screwed it down with stainless steel screws...then I covered everything with epoxy and fibreglassed it to the hull. Overkill, perhaps, but I know it was done right. The marine ply cost me about $96.00 a 4x8 sheet ...the chemicals...roughly $150....hardware....$50....Installed carpet. Done. Good Luck