deck for aluminum boat

M

mwassman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Messages
46
i have a 15ft flat bottom aluminum boat that is riveted. i would like to add a front deck that i could fish off of and use for storage.i need it to as light as posable and strong enough not to warp , any ideas on material, braces, design, or ways to secure the deck to the hull?IMG_0585.jpg i am taking out the material that is in front in the picture from the console to the bow plate, the bottom in the boat now is not secured to the cross members only riveted on the to the top rim of the boat, the cross members only go half way up the side of the boat so kind of hoped it would give the boat a little better structural integrity . if anyone has any ideas let me know thanks
 
26aftcab454

26aftcab454

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
1,510
Re: deck for aluminum boat

I would make a simple frame of treated( yeller wood) 2x4s and make deck with a 3/4 marine plywood. I do not see harm in running a few SS bolts thru the top /upper "Rim" of the boat sides.
I would not try to make it too rigid as it is designed to flex some.
 
M

mwassman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Messages
46
Re: deck for aluminum boat

"NO! The new PT eats aluminum" ??? treated wood eats aluminum?
 
M

mwassman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Messages
46
Re: deck for aluminum boat

what about angle iron instead of wood? and for the deck would ply wood be about my best bet?
 
barbosam

barbosam

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 25, 2009
Messages
153
Re: deck for aluminum boat

yes the chemicals in pressure treated wood will react with aluminum, it should not be used in an aluminum boat. You could use some aluminum angle and plywood or regular 2x4's or 1x4's and plywood would be easiest but I would recommend coating all wood with epoxy or spar varnish to prevent rot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top