Ski Locker Cover

[hibbert6]

Hi! Just bought my 2nd boat, a '98 Sea Ray 175 with a Merc 125 o/b.

While the deck feels solid, the cover over the ski locker is a bit spongy. I figured I could easily build a new one out of plywood, especially as I'll probably be re-carpeting the boat. But when I pulled the cover up and looked at the underside, I saw that it is made of a black plastic honeycomb material - kind of looks like a furnace filter.

Are these by nature rather bouncy? Should I try and find/order a replacement? Or can I just make one out of marine plywood?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Ski Locker Cover

I think marine ply would be fine as long as you ran some strengthening pieces laterally on the underside. The other substance you might want to consider is King Starboard. It's a white plastic substance that's very durable and strong. It certainly won't rot but whether you can get an adhesive to stick to it for carpeting I don't know. It's probably very slick when wet on it's own. I used a piece to patch the base of one swivel seat years ago that some twi..er...I mean misguided passenger cracked by jumping from a pier directly onto the seat. Sometimes you also see it advertised as a good matierial for swim platforms...Maybe it comes in non-skid, not sure.

This link has more info as well as a calculator to help you figure out how thick it should be depending on the application you intend.

http://www.kingplastic.com/products/all-products/king-starboard-family/king-starboard/

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Ski Locker Cover

You could also go with teak 1x4s leaving a small gap between for drainage. If you spend the money, though, I wouldn't carpet it. It might look pretty sharp...

 

[Redneck_Randy]

Re: Ski Locker Cover

+1 on the King Starboard. It's the best material for boat projects such as yours.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Ski Locker Cover

i sent you a pm.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Ski Locker Cover

True Starboard brand has a textured surface. Isn't slippery when wet. It comes in either white or black.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Ski Locker Cover

hibbert6 I have the same issue and have contiplating what the proper material is to use. I'm leaning toward just a custom homemade cover out of teak and or coated ply but with no carpet and drainage slots. I have basically the same rig just a lil older and a I/O.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Ski Locker Cover

Regardless of the material...make it properly and it will be strong and look good.