Floor Replacement

[Nipigon Kid]

Just wondering if anyone has used the polymer flooring sheets(King Starboard) to re-fit their boat.They are supposed to be easy to work with but I am not sure if the added cost is worth it.10 years on the wood in my boat with heavy use doesn't seem too bad,as only a couple of soft spots are showing up.Also curious if carpet would still be needed?Thanks friends.

[Stotch]

Nipigon Kid,

Just completed removing the 11 year old plywood floor and carpet. Gave a lot of consideration as to the types of materials available and how to install the new floor. Looked into using the "King Starboard" material, but after comparing not only the cost (the 3/4" thick 4' x 8' sheets cost $258.00 per) and the weight (King Starboard is approx 1/3 heavier than plywood and carpet) plus an anti-slip surface has to be applied to the "KS" my decision to go with plywood and carpet was easy.

The demolition process was interesting to say the least. Made sketches of everything. Even found an unused 28"x 26" "storage box" area (in the main floor area) that was put to good use. It now holds 2 Optima batteries and a Guest on-board charging system. And when demoing the bow section more unknown storage became available with a little rearranging of needs and features.

The installation process used new 3/4" AC grade 7 strand plywood. First thing was to make all the cuts, shapes, sizes and holes then do a DRY fit. Then mixed up some fiberglass resin (once this mixture dries it produces a waterproof surface) and applied it to the front and back surfaces (2 coats), also coat all of the edges. Let this stuff dry for 2 days. Meanwhile, measured and cut the new carpet sizes (got it cheap - remnant pieces). Then applied indoor-outdoor carpeting glue with a 3/16" notched trowel to the top surfaces. Installed the carpet using an electric staple gun and installed the finished pieces in the boat using 1-1/4" stainless steel screws (predrill prior to installing screws).

Considered all interferences prior to locating the seat bases for the correct positions of the Glyde Ride Seats then thru bolted using a backing plate and SS bolts and nuts.

All in all, it was a fun project and one that was worth while. The new carpet looks great and the floor has a rock solid feeling.

Good luck and have fun with your project.
Stotch

[Pitts]

The only thing to add is use a sealer at each hole that you drill because that will be a leak into the plywood.
We did this exact thing to a 16' reble.

Pitts

[AquaMan]

I did mine this fall with a product called CoDeMo Panels from Priema Plastics. (www.hettingatetechnology.com)

Although it was about 20% heavier then the plywood, it had a much longer life then wood and better strength. Price was definitely higher then wood, but again, I was looking for a long term solution and had been looking at this stuff for quite a while. My father bought it for his boat and could no use it, so I inherited the stuff.

Now, having said all that and having run the boat for the better part of the summer, I have the following observations.

The plastic shrinks and expands. My rod locker gets tight in the cold and a gap in the floor between the two panels appears on those cooler days and disappears when hot. I have an aluminum "t" molding the needs to be installed there someday and that will take care of the gap.

The plastic IS stronger, can be welded or bent to fit better and it hold screws much better then wood. I was able to create some nice storage areas that I would could not have with wood. I was able to use far fewer screws also. The seat bases are much stronger.

The plastic DOES NOT breath. Any cubbies or storage areas should have a vent or slot for air movement. Either that or open all your hatches and dry completely prior to storing for a week or two.

The plastic is impervious to gas, oil, etc. Unlike treated wood, I will never have to worry about fuel rotting the plastic.

Plastic is consistent. The surface was perfect and easy to saw. My marine adhesive is bonding the carpet nicely. Be sure to cover every square inch of surface with adhesive prior to laying the carpet.

That said, had I not received the panels as a gift, I do not think I would have popped for the extra $$$. It is nice, but expensive. I am happy with the turn out and recommend it to anyone that is concidering if you have the coin or want a permenant fix.

Now if I could only get more time in the boat. I'll be on Mille Lacs this weekend :-)


AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

Eric@crowncomputerinc.com