Securing plywood floor to all. flat ribs

[Beck]

Hi to all,<br /><br />Setting up my new to me Tim's 16x54 commercial flat and when I redo the wood floor I was wondering what is the best way to mount it to the ribs. I checked at my local fastner supplier they do not have a s/s flat or round head screws with drill bit tips. (self taping) So I guess it's drilling and screwing a screw in them. What size screw would yall recommend? Ribs are 14" on center. It has 3/4 plywood now and I'm thinking on changing it to 1/2" to lighten it up.<br /><br />Any input would be appreciated.<br /><br />Beck

 

[crab bait]

Re: Securing plywood floor to all. flat ribs

i'd still use 3/4... you don't want to never 'skimp' on original factory equipment.. only EXCEED it.. an it's really not that much weight in the overall scope of the boat..<br /><br />use ss deck screws.. there alsome..<br /><br />do a 'red search' on floor replacement.. read for weeks.. <br /><br />i'd go with epoxy incapsulation an mix up epoxy putty as a floor bedding..

 

[goatherder]

Re: Securing plywood floor to all. flat ribs

I would agree with crab bait. I don't think there are as many options in marine plywoods as in regular, but I'd use at least 5/8" for flooring, and I'd probably just go back with original 3/4". And I would use marine plywood, but I'd do the "red search" and read lots before doing it.<br /><br />Incidentally, the reason I'd use marine plywood is because I carelessly left a 4"x20" piece of it laying outside, on a stack of metal fencing, after a project several years ago. Two years later when I picked it up to throw it away it was actually still useable as a brace in another project. I'm convinced of the value of marine plywood in boating applications.

 

[Beck]

Re: Securing plywood floor to all. flat ribs

Thanks for the reply guys,<br /><br />I will do the search and read (I actually really like reading through all of these forums, just sit here for hours) It will be some time before I get to that part of my project. But just wanted to start getting some info. I still have some wiring and want to extend my front deck for storage. The 3/4 ply. was not factory, the guy who had the boat before me must have installed it.<br /><br />Later,<br />Beck