Building a new engine cover

[GaBoy]

I purchased a boat with a plywood/carpet engine cover. My plans are to build another one with marine plywood and what should I seal with, epoxy or fiberglass, or polyurethane? Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Building a new engine cover

I used 1/2 Pressure treated plywood and used strips of fiberglass cloth to connect the pieces together. It created a light, strong "doghouse", and made joining fancy angles easy. Cover all the internal and external plywood surfaces with poly resin for water proofing. Reinforce the top rear of the box with a 2X2 across the top to suppport the edge of the plywood. I used a welcome mat for the top of my doghouse. it was glued on and proved very sun and weather resistant and very durable.

 

[rbryant1492_mfb]

Re: Building a new engine cover

I am in the same shape you are in. The boat I just bought does not have an engine cover.
Here is my plan for mines
1) 3/4 treated ply
2) west marine poly

Epoxy is really used where u need real strenght such as floors

Poly will get what you need for 1/4 of the cost.

well thats my plan

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Building a new engine cover

I found some plastic flooring that has the look of teak planking and I am planning on putting on the top of hatch cover and poly over the whole thing. I am trying to find some fasteners to hold hatch down, any ideas????

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Building a new engine cover

I'm planning on using those rubber T-handles that they use to hold down fancy truck hoods or race car hoods.. the kind where you grab the handle and stretch the rubber into a U shaped fitting to latch it down.

They cost about $10 a pair at Northern Tool.

Erik

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Building a new engine cover

Unless the 3/4 plywood is really required for strength, due to a large flat piece, I think it too heavy for comfort. Using 1/2 plywood and some strategic 2x2 reinforcement will make for a lighter doghouse, with just as much strength as is required. Also, some strategically placed cloth can strengthen an area..

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Building a new engine cover

Thanks for the idea on hood hooks for holding down the hatch. I believe that will work just fine but I need them to be flush with deck. Not sure if I am going to use 1/2 or 3/4, I guess it depends on how much space to make it level with deck. If I add the laminate teak on top 1/2 will work better. I may even put some hinges to allow for raising the hatch when doing maintenance.