Another flooring question

[Wizard1]

I searched the forum but did not find this spesific question any where so. <br /> Well guys, I have a specific question. I am going to replace the floor this morning in my 15' semi-V bottom boat that is 48"s wide. the ribs are spaced from 10-14"s apart. I want to do something to keep the treated plywood from flexing in the middle as it is being walked on. What I am thinking is that I place a treated 2x4 ,cut to keep it level with the outside edge of the ribs that the plywood sits on,down the center of the boat running lengthwise resting on the top of the ribs so as not to affect the draining system of the boat. This way the plywood would be supported by about 4"s of the ribs on either side and attached to the 2x4 in the middle. <br /> My question is, is there a better way to do this. Also I am going to have to place 2 seperate peices of plywood in the bottom of the boat due to the length of the area to cover, a little over 10 feet, and the fact that you cannot buy treated plywood in lengthe longer that 10 feet. How would be the best way to attach the 2 peices of plywood to each other to keep the seam as even as possible while it is being walked on?<br /> Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[alden135]

Re: Another flooring question

You can easily make that span with 1/2" plywood and not have any noticable deflection. With regard to the seamimg I think the simplest solution would be to scab a piece under the seam (between each stringer) and glue/screw it together. If you are planning on using pressure treated plywood make sure to dry it flat w/weights to keep its shape. I'd still seal that ply to prevent water infiltration. You could get fancy with the seaming with scarf joints, bisquets, etc. but I don't know your skill level or tool collection. You would also be better off running 3 4' sections so that the face grain of the ply is perpendicular to the stringers, that is where ply has the most strength.

 

[Wizard1]

Re: Another flooring question

I'll probable go with the scabing on the plywood due to the ease. I could do the real trick joints but I think the scabing will work out easier in the long run. As for the plywood sections, I never thought of running the grain with the stringers. That does sound like it might work out better. <br />Thanks Alden135