Redecking a boat

[IllinoisBasser]

A boat i am buying is going to need to be redecked. Any suggestions as far as bracing goes?

Durability,weight,and of course cost are a factor. It is an aluminum V-hull,with a front and rear deck.

I am going to extend the front deck and possibly the rear deck as well as adding a storage compartment or two as well.The batteries for the trolling motor and for the depthfinder are going to be placed in the back. what type of plywood do you recommend? Thickness? Is there an alternative to plywood? Anyone got a depthfinder or a trolling motor they wanna get rid of?

[Yankee_Bassman]

Is it already decked with Plywood?  You may be able to save the old braces to use as templates. Mark where they are in the boat before removing if they're rotted. Use the same thickness exterior grade plywood as is already there. I'd saturate it with polyester resin until it won't take any more. Don't forget the edges. If you decide to use pressure treated ply, forget the poly, it won't do any good. There are alternatives.... Starboard or similar products, Aluminum, etc., but they would be cost prohibitive, IMHO.

[sorethumb]

I'm bracing mine with 3 inch pvc pipe.  It is light and very strong.  I am 6'6'' and 300lbs and it does not give whien i stand on the deck.  

[preach4bass]

Hmm... :-?, oh, : I thought you wanted information on how to "REDNECK" a boat.  I know how to do that.  I don't know how to "redeck" a boat.  Sorry ;D

[Mo_Tick]

I'm bracing mine with 3 inch pvc pipe.  It is light and very strong.  I am 6'6'' and 300lbs and it does not give whien i stand on the deck.  

i AM  in the Middle of adding Floors to my "V"Bottom, never even thought of using PVC, do you have any info you could share or pics with me? i am doin this from scratch and could use some fresh ideas.

thanks

Tom

[senko_77]

i am just finishing up my new decking on my aluminum boat.  i used 23/32 in. sheets of pressure treated plywood, and then treated it with thompsons wood sealer, to protcect it from rot.  i think marine plywood is to expensive.  for decking i used long peices of 2x4 with "L" brackets drilled in to the bencehs to hold them.  it is the sturdiest decking i think we oculd have made.  it took a total of 3 4x8 sheets of the plywood

[Mo_Tick]

well, i am using 1x3's on edge with 1x3's laid flat across the top, with the edgeds of those resting on the edge on each rib.. once i get it shimmed it should be pretty dang solid.(RIGHT?) i have a 1970 starcraft seafarer 14'. its kind of a Mod "V" 61" wide at top center.

i am thinking of using 3\8 ply sealed with thompsons or something. then im going to add back in the front and rear bench seats, with added width for storage, and a rod locker along the side.

am i crazy for this approach? it will be braced down the middle by 1x3. any thoughts?

[Mo_Tick]

heres where i am at so far..

[jb_from_texas]

I'm bracing mine with 3 inch pvc pipe. It is light and very strong. I am 6'6'' and 300lbs and it does not give whien i stand on the deck.

i AM in the Middle of adding Floors to my "V"Bottom, never even thought of using PVC, do you have any info you could share or pics with me? i am doin this from scratch and could use some fresh ideas.

thanks

Tom

yes, please send more info and pics if possible.  I will be decking in the next few months or so and like the idea of pvc.  seems like it would be easier to work with, no epoxying, and light.

are you creating a pvc frame like you would with wood or are you using uprights only?