Bolts or screws to secure decking????

[bobbarone56]

I have finally gotten all the material together to redeck my boat but am wanting to know whats better bolts or screws to secure the deck?? it has bolts in it now but the deck was redone before and not properly so just want to get an idea on what would be better. im going to be using the ultra tuff marine non skid coating for the deck instead of carpet if i use bolt what is the recommended amount and spacing also what is the recommended amount and spacing with screws. as soon as i get started ill post some pic of the progress.
Thanks Bob

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Bolts or screws to secure decking????

Screws are easier, bolts are better.

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: Bolts or screws to secure decking????

I used stainless steel bolts that have a larger flat head on them (not a carrage bolt) that you can sink into the decking as needed. I used stainless self-locking nuts (and stainless flat washers if needed) on the bottom side. I think I got mine from Pontoon Stuff and their made for what you want. They are a special length and finish out smooth on top and dont hang down on the bottom.

 

[bobbarone56]

Re: Bolts or screws to secure decking????

Ok y'all have convinced me that bolts are the better way to go so so how many should i use on each seam i dont want to copy whats on the boat now as im not sure it was done properly.
Thanks
Bob

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: Bolts or screws to secure decking????

I'm pretty sure mine had 5 across each joist/truss making them about 24 inches apart. They were located; one on each side, one in the middle and one each half way between the sides and the middle. We drilled from the bottom so we could use the same holes. My joist/trusses are 24 inches on center, so every other row of bolts hits a decking seam assuming you’re using four foot material. That’s one reason for the big flat heads. Mine were 1/4 inch bolts and I searched the hardware stores and a professional bolt place and could not find them and that’s when I ordered them on-line at a pontoon parts-furniture store. They also had plastic stand-offs that I used under the side rails to lift them slightly so water wouldn’t stand under the 1”x1” side rails.

I’m curious if you are coating the bottom side with anything if the decking is wood? I used marine grade plywood and coated it with a premium product from Sherwin Williams but I can’t remember the name of it.

 

[bobbarone56]

Re: Bolts or screws to secure decking????

Im only coating the top as it seem to be the concensis that the bottom needs to stay unpainted at to allow the wood to dry out . Yes i am using 3/4 marine grade plywood i too am going to get the rail spacers as it will make cleaning the deck easier i think. how long ago did you redeck your boat and has there been any adverse effects of painting the bottom?

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: Bolts or screws to secure decking????

I replaced mine about 4-5 years ago and don’t have any signs of deterioration. I used marine grade plywood that I found in an old lumber company that handles out of the ordinary stuff for about $80.00 per sheet. Yes, I coated mine on the bottom side as well as the top and edges with a couple of coats of a super tough and moderately flexible commercial grade epoxy coating from Sherwin Williams for about $100.00 per gallon. My thought at the time was the underneath catches so much spray it should be protected. I also put aluminum sheeting down the entire boat to divert the spray off the bottom side in hopes the water hitting the joist could be converted into lift instead of drag. The aluminum is turned down all the way to the pontoons with a hemmed edge that is riveted to the pontoon risers and sealed to the toons with a butyl metal roof flashing caulk. For the most part the bottom side of the deck stays dry. I did the aluminum mainly for performance.

I would have never imagined that it would be ok to “not coat” the underside but since you mentioned it I’m reading that there is mixed thoughts on coating vs. not coating. I guess you could say mine is encapsulated with a coating that’s hard as a rock but wont crack when flexed and I would probably do it again, but would do more research first. My boat stays in the shop and hopefully I’ll never have to redo it again. Thanks for the comment because “not coating” is something I’ve never heard about. I guess I missed that one.