Correct way to tab Bayliner Cuddy's sole

[TrophyFisher]

My Dad just gave me his 1996 Bayliner wa Trophy Cuddy cabin. He kept it inside all of its life and is in great shape except for the cabin's sole. When I cut out the carpet on the sole the plywood came with it in pieces.There were two depressions or throughs running on each side of the sole from bow to stern (you can see one in the photo). Outside these troughs was just fiberglass laid on the hull. Inside the troughts the plywood began. I took my angle grinder and cut along the high points of two "troughs" to remove all of the wood. I am now left with two "slots where the edge of the old plywood met the fiberglass. I have bought 1/2 inch marine grade plywood which I will coat with fiberglass, and install but I don't know how to do this correctly. Some questions I have are 1)Do I need to attach the bottom face of the plywood to the hull? Should I put some type of putty under the outside edges of the plywood to help it attach to the hull? 2) Should I grind out these "slots" all together and just lay fiberglass over the plywood and existing fiberglass which exists on top of the interior hull ? 3) Do I have to grind this existing fiberglass to get a bond or will a good cleaner work? Step by Step instructions would be welcomed. After finishing the fiberglassing, I have already bought some new carpet to glue on top to finish the repair.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Correct way to tab Bayliner Cuddy's sole

Before you go any further do some reading here on similar projects (there are hundrers), this will give a better idea of what your options are and what to look for.

If the floor is rotten there is a very good chance the sringers are in a similar condition, so they need to be checked carefully.