Wood floor alternative

[heloguy76]

1988 Supra Sunsport with some floor wood rot. I am going to repair/replace floor and I am looking for a composite alternative to resin coated wood marine plywood. Any links or advise would really be appreciated.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Wood floor alternative

Welcome to the iBoats Dry Dock!
There are several that come to mind, but before we get started you need to be aware that composite decks are quite pricey. Your current deck is 23 years old and was probably NOT maintained well. My experience has been that a properly maintained wood core fiberglass encased deck should and will last 30+ years. You can fabricate your deck this way and do it "Right" and expect it to last this long IF you maintain it properly for $200. You can build a composite deck for $5-600 dollars. If you think you will still own this boat 30+ years from now then the extra cost would probably be worth it, if not, then I'd recommend you consider building it back the standard way, but make sure it's done correctly and then maintain it properly. My deck on my boat is 60 yrs old and still going strong.

 

[herefishy]

Re: Wood floor alternative

Aluminum is lighter than wood. You cut it with circular saws and jig saws - it's easy to work with.

I use a "marine grade" aluminum for decks - it is very stiff. 3/16" aluminum in about a 4' x 12' sheet will set you back about $250.00. I am interested in seeing an aluminum deck go into a glass boat.

The mfgr's put wood decks on aluminum boats. I got tired of replacing my decks every five years on my tinny - I put aluminum decks on my boat.

JMTCW


~Fishy

 

[island mike]

Re: Wood floor alternative

All the above is good info...
You could consider honeycomb/nidacore...
Pricy,But u.v-water-and rot proof.
And very light.
Then again all the above..