Do I have to use Marine Plywood?

[Spavinaw]

I just got a 14' Aluma Craft. Starting to redo it and want to know what alternatives I have for putting the floor in it. Do I have to use marine grade plywood? What else have you all used and got by with?

 

[BWT]

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Like you said, a marine ply is typically what's recommended, however for the size boat I don't know that it would make sense (cost wise). I would tend to lean towards using a good hardwood ply and seal it with epoxy (top, bottom and all exposed edges, probably 3-4 coats rolled on). Personally I am partial to West System but there are others out there. Roll on each new coat after the previous has started to cure, but hasn't fully cured (still feels a little tacky; let the final coat fully cure)). When you mount it in the boat, apply a bead of caulking (3M 4200) to the areas that will be supporting the floor to help with any creeking sounds while walking around.

Hope this helps!

 

[jayboy76]

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Every thing I have seen on the forumn says just get a good exterior plywood. Does have knots that show but if you pick through the Home Depot or Lowes or your local lumber yard you can find some pretty good ones. Most paint resin over both sides and ends and cover it with a glass mat and resin over it. They say that will water proof it. Hardwood ply isn't that much cheaper but the exterior sheathing is. Good luck on your project. There are some real good threads on the forum that go into detail on how to do it.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Get an AC grade exterior plwyood, it'll have one knot free side...BC or CDX will have knots showing...

 

[Spavinaw]

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

thanks for all of the help. Sounds Like I will use regualr ply wood and some epoxy or resin.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

Re: Di I have to use Marine Plywood?

If you use Polyester resin you MUST use fiberglass mat too! If not it'll dry brittle and crack. Epoxy will not require mat.