Waterproofing deck

[cimmaronjim]

Any suggestions on what to coat the plywood deck I am installing before carpeting it?<br />polyuerethane? fiberglass resin sans glass? marine varnish?<br />Any tips appreciated.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Waterproofing deck

At least two thick coats of epoxy resin... Pay particular attention to the edges of the plywood... <br /><br />What are you installing a "Plywood deck" in?... Aluminum boat?...

 

[cimmaronjim]

Re: Waterproofing deck

Thanks Snapper, It is indeed an aluminum boat and I know alot of folks think adding a deck is a bad idea, but this boat already had a full length deck in it from someone elses butcher job, who also cut out all the benches. because I needed a way to add structural support side to bottom, I decided on an aluminum framework connected to the bottom and sides with a low deck in the front 1/3 leaving the stern mostly open, with a bench.<br />There is basically nothing I could do to make this piece of crap any worse, and I'm having alot of fun rebuilding it. When you start with nothing you have few design limitations.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Waterproofing deck

I've decked out many a john boat... Sounds like you're on the right track...<br /><br />

When you start with nothing you have few design limitations.

Exactly... Enjoy...

 

[Hawkeye1]

Re: Waterproofing deck

Make sure you coat both sides.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Waterproofing deck

and countersink the srcew heads & fill with epoxy putty... <br /><br />if water can get in ,, it will..

 

[Red Rider]

Re: Waterproofing deck

I have nothing to do with this company, but I tried their Aluthane primer and it is great. <br /><br /> http://www.epoxyproducts.com/5_urethane.html <br /><br />You can read their wood test at http://www.epoxyproducts.com/woodseal.html <br /><br />This stuff works even better than they claim it does. I first tried it on a vynal top of a old Pontiac Bonneville (w/455 engine) that was mechanicaly sound but the top leaked like a sive due to rust under the vynal. The options were fiberglass the top to seal the vynal or paint over it. I tried aluthane, it worked. it water proofed it with two coats, and even looks ½ decent. Now I have a high speed tow vehicle that ride four in comfort and pull my 21 foot cc.<br /><br />I have also used aluthane on boat trailers and the floor on my small aluminum row boat. As I said it is even better than they claim it is.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Waterproofing deck

good info,RIDER..i have read many times in books & on the 'web' that really nothin' keeps water from soakin' into wood... but as a phoenamina,, only epoxy keeps wood from havin' rot occur...worst beening polyester resin..<br /><br />so when you hear ' put on epoxy to keep out water...' it's actually 'put on epoxy to keep out rot...' <br /><br />but not sayin' somethin' new is out on the market or on the near horizon... <br /><br />polyurethan glues an products are relatively new & are amazinly waterproof, strong .. but are they flexiable & 'rot-proof' like epoxies..???<br /><br />good to keep an open mind & a good eye on a promising product...<br /><br />thanks..

 

[cimmaronjim]

Re: Waterproofing deck

Thanks!!<br />Good advice from all.