Flooring choice

[DeepCMark58A]

I was going to put a wood floor in my Deep C but as I am reassembling the steering and getting ready to run new wires I decided that a carpeted floor will make it easy to hide wire and cables. I have heard that green treated plywood and aluminum do not mix does this hold true if the plywood is not in direct contact with the aluminum?

 

[jbcurt00]

Yes, the chemicals will tend to leach out.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Not being a smart alec but how can aluminum leach out chemicals if there is not contact?

 

[DeepBlue2010]

The same way you get exposed to bacteria, viruses and whatever else. Someone's touches both in sequence; water carries the chemical through; air carries the vapors and deposit them where they shouldn't be.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

That is not leaching, and would explain why you never see a boat dealer next to a lumber yard.

 

[jbcurt00]

Water leaches the chemicals out of the PT. Thats why PT corrosion is also typically found in areas where water might collect in addition to where the PT contacted the hull.

If you can find (afford or order) kiln dried PT, seal it, then maybe.

Part of the problem w PT found at most lumber yards is that its usually very heavy because its still very 'wet' w the PT chemicals. Then as it dries it tends to warp.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I am going to a real lumber yard not one of the big box stores, may have to drive a bit but the choices are better.

 

[GA_Boater]

I am going to a real lumber yard not one of the big box stores, may have to drive a bit but the choices are better.

So are you hoping the real lumber yard has better PT?

We always recommend against treated wood because of the copper content in the solutions used. There is treated wood used by tin boat makers, but it doesn't fall into the practical category for most DIY'ers. Lotsa $$$$!

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Sorry I meant to mention marine grade at a real lumber yard, not that I was looking for better quality green treated.

 

[bonz_d]

The only real advantage with marine plywood is that there are no voids between layers making it structurally stronger. It still needs to be sealed with something. Then it becomes a matter of which type of wood is used to make it. The more water resistant woods cost considerably more, meaning $100.00 or better a sheet.

 

[jbcurt00]

Sorry I meant to mention marine grade at a real lumber yard, not that I was looking for better quality green treated.

Marine plywood and pressure treated (green plywood) are 2 different plywoods.

Kiln dried PT is what GA was referring to thats used by some tin boat makers, and what I mentioned in post above.

AFAIK, there isnt a marine plywood sold that is pressure treated, or at least its not marketed as marine PT plywood. But I could be wrong.

 

[fishin98]

For what it's worth..Here's a few pictures of the B-C exterior 19/32nd ply I purchased at Lowes. Also are pictures of the carpeting I took out of the boat. This was the factory installed carpeting from 1988. The factory plywood came apart in chucks. I was out shopping for Marine Carpeting, after looking at 3 stores, I stopped at Lowes to see what they had...They had EXACTLY what I wanted in a Marine grade....will be able to do the boat for around $100. I will have it in two weeks.

 

[JASinIL2006]

A number of home improvement stores carry a brand of plywood called Araucoply (made by Arauco) that is an very nice grade of exterior-rated plywood. It is much nicer than typical exterior plywood -- it has more plies than normal plywood and very few (if any) voids. Best of all, it isn't that expensive. Menards carries it at $35 a sheet (4'x8'x5/8"). Much cheaper than marine plywood. I used it in my transom and it is a good product.

 

[bonz_d]

A number of home improvement stores carry a brand of plywood called Araucoply (made by Arauco) that is an very nice grade of exterior-rated plywood. It is much nicer than typical exterior plywood -- it has more plies than normal plywood and very few (if any) voids. Best of all, it isn't that expensive. Menards carries it at $35 a sheet (4'x8'x5/8"). Much cheaper than marine plywood. I used it in my transom and it is a good product.

I have to agree as I've been using this plywood for a number of years. It is a couple of bucks more than other labeled brands but I believe it's well worth it. Biggest problem I see it that I've only been able to find this at Menard's and unfortunately Menard's stores are not country wide.

 

[GA_Boater]

I found the Arauco brand at both Lowes and HD locally. It is really nice to work with and has very few voids.

 

[airshot]

The big question is where and how do you store your boat? If out in the open and exposed to the elements then a really good sealing job will be needed. Now if you boat is stored inside out of the elements then no worries. I did a floor on a 14 ft alum boat with just 5 ply exterior 1/2" plywood and covered that with marine carpet, the occasional splash from use will dry out without a problem, it is the constant wetness from outside storage that is a concern. My 14' is more than 20 yrs old with original floor and carpet. Yes the carpet is showing its age but no issues with the plywood floor at all.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

The boat will be stored inside and not used on rainy days.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

How much bend can I put in a sheet of carpeted plywood without the carpet lifting off?

 

[bonz_d]

As long as you are not stretching the carpet while bending the plywood I don't see a problem.

 

[Scott Danforth]

usually the carpet is glued in place onto wood. unless you cover with CSM and resin, then maybe snap in.