Help: Floor for 16ft 1977 Deep V Mirrocraft

[Giacomo8690]

Hello Iboaters! I am looking to install a Plywood floor with marine carpeting for my 16 foot Deep V Mirrocraft and was hoping I could find some good advice concerning design from you guys. I am unsure about how to design the floor for the best integrity and support. I have seen other aluminum boats with brackets installed d]wn center by original manufacturer for floor support however my Mirrocraft did not have that luxury. My other question concerned how to connect the floor to the boat. I have seen that some people have riveted the floor into ribs but I am not sure if that is the best option? I appreciate all your help and advice. Below please find photos for reference.

 

[Giacomo8690]

I do not think the previous post included the photo of my boat. Below please see the attachment!

 

[Giacomo8690]

One More picture of the bow for reference.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...... I hope you intend to put the center 2 seats back in,..??

Otherwise, the hull could fold up in two, from the lack of support,....

 

[Giacomo8690]

Hello Bondo,

I do not plan on putting the center two seats back in. I plan on sealing the holes made from the bolts for the center two seats with either 1/4 rivets or a larger bolt of some sort. The center two seats were never connected to a plywood floor, they were supported by bolts through drilled through the hull. I am seeking another way to support a plywood floor down the center of the boat.

 

[jbcurt00]

There were 3 bench seats, 1 set of brackets for the center bench were removed.

But yep, you're deck (floor) plan needs to include lateral support for the gunwales if you arent putting all 3 benches back in.

IMO, you should install a central stringer fore and aft if you intend to put a deck in. Otherwise you'll have to build a concave deck....

And I would keep the deck as low and close to the existing hull/ribs as possible. That should allow you to put the benches back in.

Dont forget to include flotation foam in your deck and bench planning.

 

[Giacomo8690]

Thanks for the advice guys! I really appreciate it! Unfortunately the boat was purchased with two benches only. You can see the support brackets for these two benches in the picture above. I removed both but still have them in hand. Regarding a central stringer, is it possible to construct one made of wood?

 

[gm280]

If you have plans to install a level floor and then a couple swivel fishing type seats, then I see no real problem. That being the floor supports and actual floor will offer the lateral support and maintain the hull integrity. But a quality subfloor support system will have to be installed first to accomplish that. I also thing I would fabricate aluminum subfloor supports and either good quality rivets or stainless steel hardware to install them. Then a good solid plywood floor equally attached with stainless steel hardware. Then floatation foam beneath the floor for both floatation and support... I can see that easily happening and being solid as well... JMHO!.

 

[DinoW]

Hello, I am in a similar situation and was wondering if anyone had a link with a simple floor plan. No background on this just looking to add a level floor, provide support and not add to much weight. Thanks in advance for anyone with any ideas. .

 

[GA_Boater]

Hello, I am in a similar situation and was wondering if anyone had a link with a simple floor plan. No background on this just looking to add a level floor, provide support and not add to much weight. Thanks in advance for anyone with any ideas. .

Please start a thread of your own, This one as been inactive for more than three months. If you start a new topic, chances are you will get help much fast than tagging on to an old thread. Thanks.

Closed.