Replacing some decking on 84 Dixie Skier

[lucenut]

Hi all. I've been reading for a couple hours here. What a group! I've learned quite a bit about replacing floors, but still have a few questions.

It's an inboard ski boat. The motor cover hinges attache to a fiberglassed piece of decking that just rests in the center-rear of the boat by gravity. The flooring section on either side of this were soft so I took a battery skillsaw, set it about 3/4" and cut approximately 1" from the side. There is a sort of bulkhead or box running along the bottom of the gunwhale. Once I cut 1" from that I was able to pull the rotten plywood out leaving a 1" flange of glass sticking off the side. There is foam in this section of the floor. I haven't decided if I need to replace the foam or not. But the foam is not high enough to provide any support for the decking. I guess the outside edge of the floor was only held by the fiberglass layer that came across the top? The other side of the section to be replaced will rest on top of the stringer. I've read that you can screw/epoxy that to the stringer. I just don't know how the other edge will be supported.

Also I hear references to epoxy and mat. Can this be bought at Home Depot?

Here's a picture of the section I cut out.
http://www.floridavotersguide.com/greg/sideview.jpg

And here are my new seats ready to go in!
http://www.floridavotersguide.com/greg/newseats.jpg

Thanks in advance for any help.
Greg

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Replacing some decking on 84 Dixie Skier

Welcome to iboats. You will find your answers here.

Let's start with the foam. Take a short piece of pvc (about 1 -1/2 to 2 " diameter) and cut small a small saw tooth pattern on one end. This will make a coring device. Core into the foam and see if it is wet or water logged at the bottom. If it is ..... time to replace it if it is dry you are in luck!

As far as installing the new plywood - being creative is the key. You might want to install small blocks to hold it up and support it. Stainless steel screws, epoxy (and some made to peanut butter consistancy) and patience will get you the strongest bond that will last.

Epoxy is available on line (not available at Home Depot) and the mat is available at most auto suppliy stores but cheaper on line. Most of us will advise epoxy for it's strength and lack of smell when finished. (Alot of discussion on which is better in this section of iboats).

Since you are in the boat... examine your motor mounts and the stringers towards the rear and bottom of the hull. The places where water settles and important spots to check for rot.

 

[lucenut]

Re: Replacing some decking on 84 Dixie Skier

Thanks Bob. I'm going to get in there today with a buddy's rot-zip with a cutting blade attachment and really do my "demo". Then I bet things will be more clear. I think I can find a way to make the decking fit and be sturdy. Then I like the peanut butter technique! Thanks for the tip on the foam corer. I'll definitely do that. I'll start looking online and order epoxy/mat today. Shoot me some links if you can. You're saying epoxy is better than fiberglass resin? Is that the debate?

Greg Luce
Sebring, FL