Baja floor replacement

[Dustin0330]

Im about to start replacing the floor in my 18'4" Baja bowrider it's an inboard and I plan on replacing the floor from bow to stern.
I plan on ordering my supplies from uscomposites but Im not sure how much epoxy,flotation foam and fiberglass cloth I need any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
What plywood do you guys recommend?

 

[ghamby]

Re: Baja floor replacement

With plywood, the more layers the better. Seven or more plys, exterior rated
at least, B/C or better. Ball park guess six sheets of 1/2 inch ply.
Flotation, framing, resin and cloth? Measure what you remove, add 20% for
wastage, and follow manufacture's recommendations for coverage.
Search this site for " floor repair", "floor replacement", "marine plywood"
There are lots of posts on this subject. Post pics, we love pictures.
Good luck, GH.

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Baja floor replacement

Thanks for the reply GH! I've already got the carpet and seats out and Im going to start cutting the floor this weekend.

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Baja floor replacement

I finally found some time to tackle this project so I plan on getting started tomorrow by removing the cap. This is my first restore so Im sure I'll have tons of questions after I get started.

 

[JimMH]

Re: Baja floor replacement

Post some pictures! We love pictures! Good luck. If you get stuck the guys here can definitely help you.

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Baja floor replacement

I removed the rub rail and rivets from the cap today but I need some tips for lifting the cap off of the hull. I have a skid steer with forks but Im not sure where I should attach the lifting straps.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Baja floor replacement

My 19' Bayliner cuddy took roughly 20 square yards of 18 oz roving (found an 18 yard piece on ebay for $40 and the seller had more so I bought two ). I used US Composites medium epoxy, 7 gallons or so. I did not replace the foam.

I personally used marine plywood of which I ordered from my Lowes store but if I were to do it again I think I'd just use pressure treated.

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Baja floor replacement

I've got a little bit more grinding to do before I start bedding the new stringers. What weight cloth should I use to glass the new stringers and the engine stringers? The deck was bedded to the hull with a substance very similar to bondo and it absorbed water what should I use to bed the deck with?

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Baja floor replacement

I've got a little bit more grinding to do before I start bedding the new stringers. What weight cloth should I use to glass the new stringers and the engine stringers? The deck was bedded to the hull with a substance very similar to bondo and it absorbed water what should I use to bed the deck with?

Use 1.5-2 oz CSM to bond and cover the stringers, unless you are using epoxy, which then you would use 6oz cloth or so. What are you planning on bedding the stringers with? PL contruction adhesive works good..I used a Poly-Peanut butter mix. Talc/sawdust mix. Worked out great and was super strong.

You can tab the deck to the hull with PL as well, others will use 3m 5200..but that might get a little pricey..and others will use a Resin-peanut butter mix. Then you can run a 6" piece of CSM and another 8" on the seams of the deck/hull and maybe one 6"or 8" piece where the boards come together. Then cover it all up with more CSM and cloth. Grind down the edges so the layers flow smooth. Make sure you put a layer of CSM on the bottom of the boards as well..and seal the ends of the plywood as well.

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Baja floor replacement

Thanks for the reply! I'll be using epoxy resin for the rebuild so it would be best for me too avoid CSM so I'll stick with the 6oz e-glass and 6"-8" seam tape. Will the peanut butter mix you decribed work with epoxy also?

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Baja floor replacement

Thanks for the reply! I'll be using epoxy resin for the rebuild so it would be best for me too avoid CSM so I'll stick with the 6oz e-glass and 6"-8" seam tape. Will the peanut butter mix you decribed work with epoxy also?

Yep sure will...just curious..why are you using Epoxy?

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Baja floor replacement

Thanks for the help! Everyone I've talked with has recommended epoxy so I just decided to go with it.

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Baja floor replacement

Thanks for the help! Everyone I've talked with has recommended epoxy so I just decided to go with it.

Because they are spending your money..haha

Ok, did you already buy it?...not trying to shy you away from it...but you boat was made with Poly..Epoxy is no doubt a superior product, but its twice the money, and you will probably never know the difference. Are you using the boat in the open ocean, or just inland lakes mainly?

If you click on my link at the bottom of this post, you can run through my rebuild..I found the Poly to work great..I bought 5 gallons for $110 with harderner. I ended up needing 7 gallons for my boat...With epoxy, that adds up.

Think of it this way..my buddy just picked up a 1991 Monterey that had been taken care of and out of the elements and properly stored with the plug out and bow up..the original wood stringers and deck are in fantastic shape after all these years...If cash isn't an issue go for the epoxy..if you are trying to stick with a budget might want to reconsider.

Either way, I'm sure it will turn out great.

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Baja floor replacement

I've considered the poly and vinylester resins but Im concerned about the waxing agent. Will I have to sand the final coat to get the carpet to adhere?
This boat has a balsa core and I want to protect it the best I can.

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Baja floor replacement

I've considered the poly and vinylester resins but Im concerned about the waxing agent. Will I have to sand the final coat to get the carpet to adhere?
This boat has a balsa core and I want to protect it the best I can.

I doubt it..but even if you do, a quick sand with a palm sander and 220 grit to rough it up is not a big deal considering the money saved. Ever consider putting snap in carpet back in the boat to avoid trapping moisture in the carpet speeding up the rotting process?

You could use Poly Resin, and put a topcoat of Gel Coat, Easypoxy, Durabek, Marine Rustoleum ect ect...and then put some snap in carpet over that..I'm going that route per the many members here suggesting it. Corinthinan Marine will make you custom fit templates.

If it were me..I would save my money and use Poly, and put the money toward snap in carpet instead of glueing it back in.