West601 Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Whats the best material to make a deck out of? Quote
Dogface Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 I used 1/4 aluminum diamond plate sipported by PT wood. . Quote
SissySticks Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Most guys use ply. Aluminum sheet is better and lighter, but more expensive. I've used both, and I think aluminum is worth the money. Quote
Dyerbassman Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Pressure treated wood has copper in it. Copper and aluminum DO NOT MIX! Pressure treated wood will react with the aluminum and ruin your boat. If you use wood, get unreated plywood and treat it with a sealant such as Thompsons Water Seal, etc. Its an extra step, but worth it. That is, if your boat is aluminum.... Quote
Dogface Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 Pressure treated wood has copper in it. Copper and aluminum DO NOT MIX! Pressure treated wood will react with the aluminum and ruin your boat. If you use wood, get unreated plywood and treat it with a sealant such as Thompsons Water Seal, etc. Its an extra step, but worth it. That is, if your boat is aluminum.... You have me concerned. I used PT. I did put a few coats of paint on it but I have no doubt the paint is worn at the points it touching the boat. I have never tried to pull it up. Quote
Dyerbassman Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 You have me concerned. I used PT. I did put a few coats of paint on it but I have no doubt the paint is worn at the points it touching the boat. I have never tried to pull it up. You might want to try to take a look. How long has it been installed? Just to be safe... Quote
Dogface Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 You might want to try to take a look. How long has it been installed? Just to be safe... Since about 2005. Quote
Bladesmith, Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 I got my current alum boat in 2004 and built decks with 5/8", 5 ply marine plywood topped with astro turf. The wood is starting to deteriorate after 8 seasons. Still usable but I'll probably have to replace it in another year or 2. The boat has been stored outside exposed to the weather but tilted so it would drain well. I did not coat the wood with anything on the theory that it would dry faster if it wasn't sealed (marine plywood may already be treated with something to prevent rot). 5/8 plywood may not be strong enough to support some of you heavier guys but at 150 lbs. it does just fine for me. Anyway, that is what worked well for me. Quote
stew6371 Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 I used wood supports & plywood deck treated with Thompson's. Going on 4th season & it's holding up great I do plan on redoing with aluminum to save on weight. Quote
james 14 Posted April 29, 2013 Posted April 29, 2013 Be careful not to go too thick on the alum or it'll be just as heavy or heavier than ply. I decked my old jon in 3/8 ply and braced it well. It was fairly light and could hold anybody with any business in a jon boat. If I went with alum I'd do the same with 1/8 alum. As far as bracing is concerned I would look in the screen room section at Home Depot. The alum 2x4s are MUCH lighter than PT 2x4s and plenty strong. Quote
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