Sub-floor for strength?

[twodeer]

I removed the lounge seats in my runabout from fiberglass floor and will replace with 4 pedestal swivel seats. I heard wood pieces fall down when removing the screws from loungers. Now I must use toggle bolts I imagine. My question: could I put down a "subfloor" of plywood for strength, drill holes for toggle bolts, then install pedestals? Reason: I'm not sure I trust 4 toggles alone to hold the pedestals in place and not rip out from the fiberglass. This is an older Shell Lake/Lund 16 footer--no way to get under the floor as is.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Sub-floor for strength?

that's gotta be the 'worst' sound..!!<br />i hate when i hear that...<br /><br />sure,, epoxy coat the ply real good both sides.. do the edges extra good.. with 'thin ' epoxy to protect ply from rot..<br /><br />i wouldn't use pressure treat unless the ply is bone dry..<br /><br />get the epoxy at any marine store..<br /><br />than glue down the ply with 'thick'epoxy .. don't use thin for this ,, unless you thicken it..ask marine store how..<br /><br />i'd make the ply at least 2 to 3 times the base size.. <br /><br />be sure to coat a few coats of 'poxy to the bored holes in the ply for the toggles.. if not,, all for nuthin'... <br />i'd make the ply rot proof..<br /><br />scuff sand the 'poxy shine off an slap on some paint to uv seal the 'poxy..

 

[Solittle]

Re: Sub-floor for strength?

twodeer - Toggle bolts will rust and I too doubt that they will hold. How bout bolting the seats to the ply with SS bolts (countersink) - then screw to floor with plenty of SS wood screws after you epoxy of course.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Sub-floor for strength?

marine centers do offer stainless steel toggles.. ain't much a 3/8 toggle can't hold..

 

[kkearney]

Re: Sub-floor for strength?

Crab Bait and Others...<br /><br />I'm in the middle of a deck replacement (my first time) and have a similar question for you...<br /><br />I'd like to through-bolt the seat pedestal to the new ply decking, then install the decking. However, I can't decide if this is the right way to do the job since I'm then going to re-carpet and will have to cut the carpet around the new pedestal... Should I through-bolt (with a backing plate and locking nuts) prior to installling the deck, or use toggle bolts after the deck and carpet are in place???<br /><br />All opinions are valued. Thanks!<br /><br />safetyman

 

[DJ]

Re: Sub-floor for strength?

twodeer,<br /><br />You are right, it won't hold just putting in the toggles.<br /><br />I would follow crab baits advice. Even at that, the seats may "rock" a bit on that thin layer of glass that the subfloor is glued to.<br /><br />What I'm trying to say is that your floor is shot.

 

[DJ]

Re: Sub-floor for strength?

safetyman,<br /><br />I would open up a seperate question in this catagory: Project Boats. You'll get a better response.