Flooring question

[Wizard1]

I have a 1972 Quachita 14' semi-V bottom boat that was a navel vessel (it was used on the airbase lakes here in central Arkansas and registered as a navy boat) that I am replacing the floor in. I am wondering should I go with foam in the floor and aluminum sheets on top (18-20 gauge) or go with plywood? With or without the foam? I am also going to build a center seat since the navy pulled the 2 center seats out and replaced them with one wooden seat. The frame they used for the seat is aluminum so I'll just use the frame.
Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would use foam no mater what flooring you use

 

[Wizard1]

Thats what I am thinking too. I am thinking about the Totalboat liquid urethane foam. But I'm still not sure about the plywood or the aluminum. I have a line on a 4'x12' piece of 20 gauge aluminum sheeting for $100 that I think would be ok with some artificial turf glued to it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

20 gauge will dent just looking at it no mater what you have underneath, even wood. its just a bit thicker than a beer can

I would go 13 gauge (.093) at a minimum for a walking surface, preferably 1/8" with wood underneath, if just foam, 5/32" or 3/16" (7 gauge)

 

[Wizard1]

That's what I was afraid might be the case. I haven't settled on anything just yet. Although I am thinking that if I can't find something the right thickness I may go with plywood and coat it with an epoxy resin or something. My options are still open at this point.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would use linseed oil, mineral spirits and spar varnish. 2 parts linseed oil, 2 parts mineral spirits, 1 part spar varnish. do 3 coats, let dry, then coat with spar varnish and let dry. will last nearly forever

 

[Woodonglass]

Yup I'd go with properly sealed wood. Actually the formula is 1 part Boiled Linseed Oil, 2 Part mineral spirits, and 1 part Poly urethane. Soak the wood, especially the edges until they won' absorb any more. Let dry for 36 hours then apply 2-3 coats of Full Strength Marine rated Poly. If you want, after another 36 hours you can use Oil Based Rustoleum paint with an added hardener to give it the color of your choice. Doing it this way will yield a deck that, if properly maintained and cared for, will last a decade or more.

 

[Wizard1]

I do like the sound of that. I will double check with the guy about the thickness of the metal but I think I will go with the above idea. Which one of the last 2 posts would be better. I will start getting all the items together over the next few weeks then get the wood and go for it. Thanks to everyone for all the great feed back and info, this is why I love this website.

 

[Woodonglass]

I posted the Old Timers Recipe for Sealing wood several years ago. The ratio is as stated in post #7

 

[Wizard1]

Alright, thanks