Replace missing sunpad brace

[Jarcher3]

So i bought my boat in April of last year, when i bought it, the PO had taken off a wooden brace that held up the front end of the sun pad because it had gotten soft.

my question is, if i wanted to replace that with a new piece, what would be the best way to go about making a new one?

I have all the woodworking tools but would i need to coat it in anything? should i paint it maybe?

Thanks for any advise, Pic for reference.

 

[alldodge]

I think your talking about the piece that the sun pad sits on when closed. Mine rotted out mainly because it was wood wrapped in vinyl. Water would drip in and the vinyl would allow it to sit and soften the wood. Mine was a x2 so all I did was cut a piece out of treated wood and screwed it back in. Has work fine ever since

 

[Jarcher3]

Ya thats exactly what i was talking about. and thats what i was hoping i could do.

Pressure treated? or is there a marine grade 2x?

 

[alldodge]

You don't need marine grade wood, I used a treated 2x4 and ripped one side for a 2x2 (which actually was 1.75x1.5 or so). Yes pressure treated will work fine. May need to move the screws a bit to one side or the other if the holes have also gotten soft.

Paint it if you like, or find some white oak if you want to stain and varnish