1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

[bucks17]

Hey guys,<br /><br />After discovering the dreaded plywood rot beneath one of my seats, I started reading quite relentlessly about floor restoration. I have finally started my project this weekend removing the old stuff. As an engineer, I understand structures, but as for real wold experience I usually rely on carpenters to build my designs.<br /> 1964 Atlas <br /><br />I wanted to share the pictures of my project, because there is no better way to thank everyone for sharing theirs. They are an invaluable resource and pretty much gave me the courage to tackle this project myself.<br /><br />

<br /><br />On to the questions (probably the first of many)<br />Upon cutting out my floor I discovered some standing water along the center stringer. How worried about this should I be? Is it most likely from the crack in the floor? As I rebuild, do I need to make sure this has somewhere to go (out the drain) or is sealing the floor correctly enough to solve this problem?<br /><br />I am very open to suggestions and advice, and I hope to draw upon everyone's experience.<br /><br />Steve

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

do I need to make sure this has somewhere to go (out the drain)

Ayuh,......... As I've said Before,.......<br /><br />There's No Such Thing as a WaterProof Compartment on a Boat......<br /><br />Provide Limber Holes for Drainage to the Bilge Pump.......

 

[bucks17]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

Thanks for your reply.<br /><br />It doesn't have a bilge orignially and it looks like the frames are solid front to back.<br /><br />Should I look into drilling a drain hole in the stringers/frames to try and get the compartment to drain out the back via the drain plug? Possibly take out the floor all the way to the transom and put in a bilge pump.<br /><br />I have another question to put out there. the stringers feel pretty darn solid, but they are also moist on the outside (seeing as there was water around them). From the one or two sawcuts that I ended up with they still appear to be pretty sound, but is there a way to be absolutely sure?

 

[Realgun]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

Bucks that looks very good. To get the last bit of plywood out I used a 4.5" angle grinder and ground the top of the fiberglass till I saw wood. not on edge to cut but to grind. Then you will see where the top if the wood stops and the hull or actually the filler begins. You can actually get a crowbar behind the wood this way and pry the floor out. You put the bar beteween the hull and wood and pust toward the hull the wood slides out into the boat. At least mine did.<br /><br />To test the stringer drill holes and if the wood that comes out is dry your fine if wet and sticky replace. I am talking about drilling on eact side to halfway to the other side every foot or so. If the stringer is dry then seal the holes with epoxy to prevent a problem from holes.<br /><br />Gonna look good when finished.

 

[bucks17]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

Well after using everyone's favorie Red Link at the top of the page, I understand what you meant about "Limber Holes".<br /><br />Turns out there were some already in the lumber that was in the boat, but they got covered in fiberglass somehow (maufacturing snafu most likely).<br /><br />My plan is to Re-Make those drains, coating the open wood in resin. The stringers are nice and dry, and super hard (not sure what wood they are, but it's stiff). <br />- edit, the fiberglass holding the stringers was hard and stiff. the wood was quite moist and soft.<br /><br />Working on coming up with the material list now. I plan on using 1/2"-3/4" ply (haven't decided yet). <br /><br />This is what I have determined (from that red link and other sources) to be the sequence to put in the new floor. Please feel free to smack me upside the head and say "NO NO NO, you got it all wrong".<br /><br />I am going to coat the plywood with epoxy resin (2 coats underside and sides, 1 coat top).<br /><br />Double check - if I re-caot within 24hrs, I don't need to worry about sanding previous coat?<br /><br />Use 40 grit paper around the hull/floor joint to roughen up for epoxy to bond.<br /><br />As the floor goes in in pieces, coat the stringers and lay (say 4") of cloth on top of the stringers and down the sides as you lay in the plywood. Stainless screws every 6-8". A little epoxy on the floor/hull joint also.<br /><br />Once the floor is in, go back around with an epoxy filler "peanut butter" (just add some fibers to stifen up the mix).<br /><br />Next go around the hull/floor joint with 6" Tape. Then coat the entire floor with mat. Then one more coat of epoxy on top of it all.<br /><br />Once that is finished, light sand (60 grit?) and flooring of choice.<br /><br />The Muskie is going to be stronger than ever. (Apparently she's already outlasted 2 motors and working on her third).<br /><br />Tons of thanks to all the previous posters for their infinite knowledge that is on this forum.<br /><br />Steve

 

[bucks17]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

Updated Pictures....<br /><br />The whole floor is out and two of the stringers are out.<br /><br />

<br /><br />I got a little too comfortable with the grinder though....<br /><br />

<br /><br />

<br />Here are the stringers and frames on the ground...<br /><br />

<br /><br />

 

[bucks17]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

Updated pics...<br /><br />Most of the sides are ground down. Starting to cut new materials.<br />

<br /><br />

<br /><br />There used to be a bulkhead here. I had to cut it out to get at the stringers. I think that I am going to leave this place open. It'll give the dog a nice place to lay under the shade.<br /><br />

<br /><br />New stringers cut!!!!!!!<br /><br />

<br /><br />

 

[neat]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

What wood did you use for stringers?

 

[bucks17]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

I cut down some 2x6 S-P-F. I covered them in two coats of Epoxy Resin. They are only slightly weaker than Doug Fir/Southern Pine (1381 psi bending vs. 1438 psi bending).

I am not sure what the original wood that came out was, but it was definitely 2xs and lasted 40+ years so i think they'll be ok.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

Looking good! Keep the pics coming. I recently completed a stringer job and laminated 3 pieces of 3/4 plywood together. I don't know what the bending pressure of it is all said and done, but the 3 ply stringers seemed tough-as-steel. I do some development and we have begun to do SIPS construction, the OSB used is very structural. Of course I didn't want to have OSB in a boat stringer, so I opted for the exterior grade ply.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: 1964 Atlas Floor Project - Updated w/ Pics (6/16/06)

Looks like your doing a great job!