What to treat my new deck with????

bobbarone56

Cadet
Joined
Aug 20, 2011
Messages
12
I am just abt ready to redeck my 74 harris Flote Bote i was able to get 3/4 Marine ply from a friend of a friend who has a boat building business for cost but its not treated !!! The price was so good i could not pass it up compared to other quotes i got, so my question is what can i treat the plywood with???? i have heard from others that copper naphthenate would help preserve the wood or should i use marine paint of some sort what would you all suggest?? Im wanting to start the redeck soon
Thanks Bob
 

old jim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Messages
150
Re: What to treat my new deck with????

AHHH, I am kind of new here my own self but from what I have read on this wire a flat out NO too
both of your questions. If it is marine grade plywood you might seal the sawed edges of the wood.
Copper and aluminum do not get along very well. I think the copper will eat the aluminum. Regards, old jim
 

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: What to treat my new deck with????

It is my understanding that marine grade plywood is ready to use as is. I know it lasts 20 plus years as it is. and treating it or painting will mostly make it hold moisture and keep it from drying out, a good dock cover it the best way to protect your deck and ever thing on it.
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: What to treat my new deck with????

If it is marine grade it is treated and ready to put on the boat as is without any other treatment and it will last for years and years.

If it is just 3/4 ply wood then it will need treated or sealed but if it really is "marine grade" it is ready to go, you do want to separate it from the aluminum cross members though, as old jim said the treated wood and aluminum don't play well together.

All you need is a thin coating of almost anything, we use a thin foam tape at work, anything to separate the wood and metal.

Also keep in mind that he deck is a stressed structural member so keep the pieces tight and use lots of bolts and I highly recommend stainless hardware, it is a little more than self tappiong screws but is a much better way to do it.
 

Bamaman1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
1,895
Re: What to treat my new deck with????

You just put it on as it is. My original deck on my Starcraft is 27 years old. I replaced two small pieces on the sides of my engine with CDX plywood, and it didn't last 6-7 years.

My best suggestion is that when you replace the carpet or flooring, rent a 100 lb. flooring roller. Even using special glue, you'll end up with bubbles without using a heavy roller. (I found out the hard way.) Rental yards get $24 a day or $53 a week for a roller.
 
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