deck seams

[phantomv170]

I have cut the new 5/8 ply for my deck. It is in 3 pieces.
I plan on covering it with Skid-no-more. I dont want to glass the seams, as I want the ability to easily take the floor out if necessary. My fuel tank is 7 ft long and runs down the middle.
Im thinking on how best to deal with the seams where the sheets butt together.
I was considering putting a chamfer bit on the router to create a v-groove. I could then caulk down the joint, and then coat over with the skid no more. Anyone got other ideas?
I also was going to caulk along the sides where the floor meets the hull.
What does everyone do for the edges when they redo the floor?
Any other way other than screws to secure floor boards down?
Heres an old pic showing the orientation of the floor boards.

 

[6meter]

Re: deck seams

With all that foam in there, you don't want to seal the floor up?

 

[phantomv170]

Re: deck seams

With all that foam in there, you don't want to seal the floor up?

I do want to seal it. But I dont want to have to ripp the floor to shreds to get it out(the fuel tank) . Im assuming if I glass the seams and cover my screws then I will be replacing the wood, if I need to get at that tank. I want it sealed but also easily removable. Im thinking if its caulked down the seam, I could slice down the joint with a knife , Or am I dreaming.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: deck seams

If the tank is good now then why do you think you will have to rip it out in the future? If you want access to the sending unit just install an inspection port there so you can get at it later on. You could glass the floor and then just glue the cover plate in place. You could even glass over the inspection plate and then mark it so you can just cut that piece out if you need to. There are lots of way to do this and still maintin a good tight deck. The caulking/gluing itsn't going to last long before the seams start to show.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: deck seams

What are you going to use to seal the plywood before you install it?

 

[phantomv170]

Re: deck seams

With all that foam in there, you don't want to seal the floor up?

What are you going to use to seal the plywood before you install it?

Im going to coat it in epoxy, both sides.

 

[phantomv170]

Re: deck seams

If the tank is good now then why do you think you will have to rip it out in the future? If you want access to the sending unit just install an inspection port there so you can get at it later on. You could glass the floor and then just glue the cover plate in place. You could even glass over the inspection plate and then mark it so you can just cut that piece out if you need to. There are lots of way to do this and still maintin a good tight deck. The caulking/gluing itsn't going to last long before the seams start to show.

Murphys law , is why Im thinking the tank might have to come out. Its a plastic tank, but you never know if it might spring a leak. There is a vent hose at both ends. maybe it might need attention too one day. The sending unit has an inspection cover alreay for the floor, its in the bilge area.

Ok, so here is another question then. If I glass over the seams and screws. How do I seal where the floor meets the hull? Its just going to be wood butting up next to the aluminum hull. And it will be visible.

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: deck seams

Doesn't seem worth it to me. Seems like doing it that way would invite more problems and your trying to plan for gas tank problems that don't seem very common. I'd rather make sure the deck is sealed up personally. Just my opinion of course. Good luck.