Need some ply floor advice

[dn010]

Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice on what I should do about my plywood floor. I am going to replace my existing rotting plywood floor with some marine plywood. After that, I'd like to coat the floor with something that will make it waterproof and be durable so if I drop my anchor on the floor or something like that-the coating doesn't crack. I have a new marine carpet in there already so on top of this coating will be carpet. I don't want to use something that will add a lot of extra weigh to the boat, it is an 18ft '78 Century. Anyone have any suggestions? I appreciate any information and advice that will help my situation. Thanks guys.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

While Marine Ply IS the best, you could look into MDO plywood for your deck. It is extremely durable, 100% waterproof and if you tab it in and coat it with epoxy and 8oz cloth it will last for decades.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

This stuff is marine plwood with a lifetime warranty:

http://www.pontoonstuff.com/pontoon-boat/144-marine-plywood.asp

It's good for transoms and stringers too!

 

[dn010]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

Thanks fellas. The epoxy and cloth sounds like something I'd want to do. I know there are like a million epoxy's out there; what one would you recommend? Thanks again.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

www.uscomposites.com Their 435 resin is what I prefer. They have the cloth and all the supplies to need for application.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

The 435 is a polyester and not an epoxy, isn't it?

 

[oops!]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

i dont like epoxys because of the cost and long cure times. as well as the limitations set by them once you start using them.

the question you ask.....is solved by standard boat building procedures.

poly resin.....2 layers csm and one layer 6 oz woven.....with a waxed gellcoat finish. then put your carpet on......it will easily take an anchor strike.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

While Marine Ply IS the best, you could look into MDO plywood for your deck. It is extremely durable, 100% waterproof and if you tab it in and coat it with epoxy and 8oz cloth it will last for decades.

Thanks fellas. The epoxy and cloth sounds like something I'd want to do. I know there are like a million epoxy's out there; what one would you recommend? Thanks again.

i dont like epoxys because of the cost and long cure times. as well as the limitations set by them once you start using them.

the question you ask.....is solved by standard boat building procedures.

poly resin.....2 layers csm and one layer 6 oz woven.....with a waxed gellcoat finish. then put your carpet on......it will easily take an anchor strike.

Epoxy was the subject being discussed, then it changed to polyester with no mention of the change. dn010 would've clicked on the link and then clicked epoxy and there wouldn't be a 435 epoxy.

I have no doubt your deck would easily take an anchor strike, but so will plain 3/4" plywood with carpet on it.

People think they're getting off cheaper by glassing plywood in than buying the CCA PT ply, but they're not. by the time you buy the plywood, resin, and cloth and spend all that time to wrap it you actually come out cheaper and time ahead buying the CCA PT.

You don't see any rotten CCA PT decks being torn out on this forum, but you can't count the number of rotten glassed in decks being torn out on here... and there's a real good reason for that!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

JNG, is correct, I messed up and directed the OP to Poly. My Mistake. For Epoxy I'd recommedn the Medium Cure from UsComposites.
As for the CCA PT I hate the stuff and the chemicals used to make it. I would never use it in boat construction. I believe there's a good reason why the majority of the boat mfg's don't use it either. But that is my personal opinion and preference and everyone is free to use what they see fit in their boat restorations. I only recommend what I have had success with. As for OOPS comments about epoxy cure time, that can be adjusted just like poly. It's all in the mix. I just don't like the price, but when building wooden boats, it is an absolute must. My boat is 50 years old and still has the original wood/fiberglass deck in it. With proper care and maintenance. All wood/Glass decks will have this kind of service life. I'll be dead and gone before the deck needs to be replaced as long as the maintenance and care continue.

 

[dn010]

Re: Need some ply floor advice

I just wanted to follow up and say thank you all for your kind advice and suggestions. I'll be starting to remove the old floor this weekend. I'm still kicking around which route I'm going to go but due to your responses I have more than enough info on what to do. Thanks again!