type of wood for decking?

[thundercraft79]

rebuilding 88 thundercraft. floor is completely rotted out. need some different opinions on what type of material i should be using for the deck/floor in my boat. why? and cost? after i get that situation figured out. i'd like to know what would be the best way to seal it

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: type of wood for decking?

Welcome Aboard..

Do a quick forum search, using the above SEARCH menu...Type in replacing deck or any such verbiage and you will see a LOT of info..I mean a LOT!

It will depend on your boat, fberglass? Aluminum...

 

[oops!]

Re: type of wood for decking?

if i remember correctly.....the t-crafts were glass..


read the compleated projects forum.....

and also hit search.....there a bazillion threads on here.....

its your choice as far as what to use.

exterior grade plywood at 5/8ths is very common for a deck.....(1/2 inch is also common but you will need to back up the deck under the seats if you are using pedistal seats)

glass the botton of the deck....and the sides...for the top....a minimum 8oz of glass is needed.

cheers
oops

 

[sschefer]

Re: type of wood for decking?

Welcome Aboard..

Do a quick forum search, using the above SEARCH menu...Type in replacing deck or any such verbiage and you will see a LOT of info..I mean a LOT!

He's right.. Tons of info on it. You will be totally confused.

1. Be practical. It's an 88 are you gonna keep it forever?
2. Do you run in Salt water.
3. Does wood in your geographic area rot quickly?

If the answer to all three is yes, then 5/8 to 3/4 ACX plywood sealed and glassed is a good choice.

If you answered no to all three you can just use 5/8 to 3/4 ACX and two coats of a good Spar varnish. First coat thinned 25% for penetration and second coat unthinned.

As a side note, you'll get an extra layer of topside protection if you use a spread on water proof exterior glue to put down your carpet or vinyl. Also, adding a bilge blower will help to dry it out before you put it in storage. If the boats dry when you store it, your decks will last much longer.

 

[thundercraft79]

Re: type of wood for decking?

the boat is completely glass. i've taken some pictures but havent posted them just yet. this is my first rebuild and i just want to be at least somewhat knowledged before i dive into what needs to be done. this boat was given to me last year and the last registration was 1997, and its been out of the water since. i checked out the motor and with a few ignition parts it started and runs like a top. i live in central/west texas so the climate is dry. hardly any rain. if i ever do complete this boat for what i have planned ill probably keep it for quite awhile since it'll have more sentimental value than a new boat. so i'm going to try my best to do it right the first time eventhough it probably won't happen. i just can't stand to see this boat rotting behind my house anymore