Stripped boat.

[MrPunem]

Got a question guys and or ladies, looking at buying a boat, the hull and transom are sound but there is no interior, the floors are fiberglass/plastic....but no seats or carpet, I'm pretty handy, I was wondering how hard would it be to fabricate and attact my own seating and do I really need carpet? First time boat owner, so I'm a noob and was wanting some insight from all you seasoned/wise boaters out there.

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: Stripped boat.

Many people are against carpet. We are doing paint and anti skid on our deck. You can make your own seats if you would like. It may end up being cheaper just buying them tho. Our 2 pedestals and seats came to a little over 200 dollars.

 

[garrettp]

Re: Stripped boat.

I am restoring a 24' 1976 Thompson. The stringer rotted and a guy stripped them out and then traded in the boat. I am going to put down a floor with 1/2" treated, fiberglass it and then gelcoat it white. And then I will put in snap-in carpeting. I am not a big fan of glue-in carpets.

This way, I can take the carpets out if they get wet/dirty and have a nice white floor .

www.shopmaninc.com is a great place to buy the supplies you will need 2lb urethane foam for flotation, Vinyl Ester Resin & 10oz fiberglass woven cloth. I work at a marine shop doing repairs but I will probably buy from that website rather then the shop.

 

[MrPunem]

Re: Stripped boat.

Since I am new to the whole scene, how do the seats connected? of to bolt them to the floor?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Stripped boat.

Yes, they are usually bolted, screwed to the floor, but you will want to predrill the holes in the floor and fill them wih 3M 5200 before putting the screws/bolts in to keep water out and causing damage to the floor...

 

[allpoints360]

Re: Stripped boat.

but you will want to predrill the holes in the floor and fill them wih 3M 5200 before putting the screws/bolts in to keep water out and causing damage to the floor...

Only if you NEVER want to remove them again. 5200 is permanent. If you use the proper size wood screws for your seats, should hold fine. Use silicone for waterproof.

Good luck.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Stripped boat.

Concrete is also considered permanent, but you can run screws in and out of it. I would suggest that you research 3M 5200 and 3M 4200 sealers. Yes, 5200 is considered permanent, but it is commonly used to seal around screws. 3M 4200 would be to seal around deck hatches that will need to be removed at some point.

Never use silicone sealant on a boat. It will weather over time and will also shrink, thus allowing water intrusion... I know this for a fact. The previous owner of my boat put in new deck and sealed around the fuel tank hatch with silicone. So, guess what I get to do next winter, put in a new floor and possibly nre stringers and transom because he wanted to save $20 on sealer around the fuel tank hatch...

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Stripped boat.

Use the best sealer you can. I would say the 3m 5200 should be good. As for carpet vs none, it's personal preference. I personally prefer carpeting as it tempers noise and feels good on bare feet. But I know people prefer no carpet as it is easier to clean and there is no carpet to "hold" water increasing potential for rot.