Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

[GregE]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

Looks great Kewlbird. Did you use resin without laying down any cloth?

With all the reading I've done on this board over the last few months, I'm confused on something. (yea, there's a shocker ) If not using cloth, wouldn't epoxy would be the way to go? I thought fiberglass resin wasn't preferred when using as a direct coating if cloth wasn't being used.

Can someone set me straight? I'm viewing from the same prospective use. Wood in an aluminum boat for decking/floor. Covering the wood with resin (fiberglass or epoxy??) which is then covered with carpet, vinyl, nonskid paint, etc.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

Greg, Yes its better to use matt or even cloth with the resin. But i have found that if you dont go crazy with the resin it dosent get brittle when you dont use any mat or cloth. If you put on thick layers of the resin itself then its pretty weak and can break easily. If it is a pretty thin layer than it should be ok in my opinion. Its not like he is building a 40' offshore boat so he should be fine with what he has done. It is most likely beter than it was when it was new from the manufac.

 

[GregE]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

Great, thanks for the reply. So I'm not "totally" confused after all.

 

[CDN Fisher]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

This is fantastic. I am excited that I found this site as I am currently replacing the floor in my 1976 Aluminum Starcraft Supersport. I am using resin as it was recommended by a friend that renovated his floor using the same. Your pictures are great; makes me confident I am heading in the right direction. I will take some pics tomorrow and post them as soon as possible. Up here in the Canadian north, I am rushed a little by the dropping temps. Take care and best of luck. I look forward to seeing and reading more of your success.

 

[CDN Fisher]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

Just had to add a quick note. I saw that I am listed as a "cadet". I may actually be slightly lower in seaman's terms as I am a Canadian Air Force Officer (Tactical Helicopters); be gentle.

 

[KewlBird]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

It was definitely the smartest thing that I did when I was rebuilding the boat. At first I didn't think I would ever even get the boat wet inside. I was wrong, big waves and rain got the boat wet quite a few times.

Make sure you get all the edges and corners covered. BTW, welcome to the site and good luck with you rebuild. It makes you appreciate your boat even more when you do the work yourself.

 

[KewlBird]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

It feels like I was doing this rebuild yesterday....This last Sunday I sold the boat, after putting in just over 151 hours on the motor during the summer I decided I need a bigger boat. I got hooked on Salmon fishing and need a bit more space for the gear and ability to take on large waves (I took on solid 6 footers with the above boat). It was a very fun boat and I learned a lot while I had it. Now, I got to find a nice 21-25 foot Hardtop, maybe another winter project boat......

 

[Calhere]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

Good job, it looks great, and tuff coat sounds like a great product for a fishing boat.

 

[gtracer226]

Re: Replacing floor on Aluminum boat, suggestions on wood...

I am going through the same thing, but my boat doesn't have those aluminum i beam stringers you have. Where can I find those or what should i use? Also I would plan on making the floor removable so i have no idea if just laying them down will be good enough. Thanks!