Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

[Todd28]

Hey guys, probably a dumb question here but do the crossbraces (not sure of the proper terminology) where the deck fastens to need to be flat on top? I am re-decking my boat and removed the old deck. From memory i thought the other pics ive seen of stripped down pontoons had the bracing flat side up. Mine is u-channel with the edges facing up and the flat side down. this causes a few problems for me. it makes difficult to bolt the deck down as well as seal the joints. also, i have a scissor type trailor and the bolts will extend past the bottom of the bracing and thought maybe they would catch on the trailor when loading and unloading. is it ok to flip these bad boys over or is this common for a 1980 maurell and just leave it alone? Appreciate any advice

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

odd?

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

Very odd. Looking at your crossmembers are they easy to flip around??

 

[wifisher]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

Strictly from an engineering standpoint, the u channel has the same strength with the flat up or down. The strength is coming from the sides. The only reason I can think of to install the way you describe is that no water would get trapped on top of the u=channel and rot the deck. Seems like a weak argument though, as they could easily be caulked.

 

[Todd28]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

Very odd. Looking at your crossmembers are they easy to flip around??

Very easy to remove, four bolts holding each one on. I'm just gonna flip them I think. Can't imagine why they are this way.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

How was the decking attached previously?

 

[Todd28]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

How was the decking attached previously?

Deck was previously attached with approximately 3" bolts and protruded out the bottom of the crossmember. The bolts hung down enough to get bent from the scissor trailor

 

[mjc3834merc]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

Todd28 ,
You might check out badbird's "Bennington 2050LX Restoration" pictures. He just brought his thread back to the top. One pic shows the rails on the Bennington. The flat isn't up or down. The rail is on edge. ( [ ) That makes sense to me. You can attach the floor to one side of the rail and the bolts (nuts) are hidden. Then if you deceide to underskin or attach one of those hidden pull out ladders you have something to attach to from below. Just a thought.
Mike

 

[5150abf]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

If you are going to redo it put it with the C facing ther back of the boat, won't catch as much water that way, can't think why they would put the U up, very odd.

With this set up you should be able to use much shorter bolts that don't come all the way through.

 

[Todd28]

Re: Does crossbracing need to be flat on top?

Sounds like the way to go. Mine do not look quite as "heavy duty" as badbirds though. Just hoping they are strong enough to mount in the "]" position. I'll toy with them in this position before securing them. Should be fine. Thanks for all your help guys