Removing the Floor?

[1980 Phantom Mystic]

Hi, I'm new to the world of boat restoration and have been searching for information here that can get me started.

I inherited my grandfathers old 15' 1980 Phantom Mystic from my brother a couple seasons ago. The last three summers my wife and I have enjoyed it immensely but last August the floor began flexing at the front console which made me very nervous. Sure enough, I pulled up the carpet and the floor had delaminated and the wood is moist.

I have read a bunch of posts here and have a good handle on what I need to do to install the new floor but I haven't found any good pointers on removing the old one.

How do I cut away from the interior walls without cutting the stingers or damaging the wall supports?

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing the Floor?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,....
Set a circular saw to say 3/4",+ run it up, just off center...
Then pull the Crap up,+ Look where you can continue cutting...
Final trimming along the edges are usually done with a 4" grinder....

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: Removing the Floor?

I would highly recommend the grinding wheels that are made of overlapping sand paper. Don't know what you call them exactly but you should recognize them when you see them. Should have them at lowe's, home depot, ace, etc. In my experience they chewed up fiberglass much quicker that rock discs. Also, if you have a ski locker or some other access hole, take the trim off around it and see how thick your deck is. Set the circular saw to that depth or a tiny bit shallower if your afraid of getting into your stringers, then just break it off. Good luck.

 

[1980 Phantom Mystic]

Re: Removing the Floor?

Thanks guys that was a great help. The old bad wood is up and I have begun grinding back the old fiberglass in prep to lay the new.

Does anyone out there have a good suggestion on a cheap but good polyester fairing material? I have decided not to put new carpet in and go with a final layer of fiberglass clear coat and fare it smooth for easy cleaning and also removing the chance of a carpet trapping water to destroy all my work.

 

[Seadoomanls]

Re: Removing the Floor?

Inexpensive and easy? I use West System.