Deck replacement with Sheet Metal?

[88seville100]

I have a 1989 Maxum cuddy. The deck has a soft spot on it, so I think I will just replace the whole thing. I have access to sheets of steel that are about 1/8" thick and about 4' x 10'. I am thinking about maybe making a new floor out of these. What do you guys think? I believe the sheet metal is all stainless steel. Would there be any disadvantages of using this vs treated wood? I will be carpeting over it so I am not worried about how it looks.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Deck replacement with Sheet Metal?

Chances are you have rotted stringers too and will have to replace those. As far as the 1/8" SS goes, keep in mind that it will weigh approx. 5 lb/ sq. ft. vs. about half that for 3/4" ply. A lot easier to work with plywood I would say.

 

[88seville100]

Re: Deck replacement with Sheet Metal?

Chances are you have rotted stringers too and will have to replace those. As far as the 1/8" SS goes, keep in mind that it will weigh approx. 5 lb/ sq. ft. vs. about half that for 3/4" ply. A lot easier to work with plywood I would say.

Ok so the material is actually 1/16" aluminum. So it may be lighter or the same as ply. I just have a lot of the stuff and thought I might be able to do the job for almost free.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Deck replacement with Sheet Metal?

Ok so the material is actually 1/16" aluminum. So it may be lighter or the same as ply. I just have a lot of the stuff and thought I might be able to do the job for almost free.

Ayuh,.... Maybe ya can, but the Deck, needs solid Stringers to set on....

Chances are, the stringers are worst than yer deck,...

Boats, Rot from the Bottom, up...

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Deck replacement with Sheet Metal?

Pound for pound, plywood is stronger then sheet metal.
Think about it; How much give will there be in the sheet metal VS laying down plywood, then figure in how heavy or thick the metal would need to be to match the rigidity of the ply.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Deck replacement with Sheet Metal?

There's no good way to tie sheet metal into the hull at the perimeter of the deck with a fiberglass boat.

It would be easy as pie with an aluminum boat though.

 

[oops!]

Re: Deck replacement with Sheet Metal?

There's no good way to tie sheet metal into the hull at the perimeter of the deck with a fiberglass boat.
.

correct.

the deck is also called the sole of the boat......it aint just there to walk on.

you have to tie the deck into the sides of the hull for proper structural intergrety.

i dont know if i would trust an epoxy bond to metal....nothing to grab to with that much movement