building a casting deck

[Certified Public Angler]

I have read so many different things on this...

a) Don't use pressurized wood, the chemicals are not good for aluminum boats?

b.) Don't treat the plywood with any water sealant b/c the water still gets in but just has no way to get out and will rot?

c) Must I strip the old paint from the aluminum boat to put on a new coat?

Some questions I have about the project I am about to go into.  I have looked through as many jon boat project threads as I could find on here but they all presented a little differently, just curious if those ppl would have done it different if they started over?  thanks.

[done]

Have heard much of the same but with the sealing of the wood. I have gotten conflicting answers to that question that were equally vehement on how much they believed it. Can't say I am knowledgeable enough to lean one way or another.

My only thought was not treating it was way to easy to be the way to go. I have had a couple folks tell me though offline that they would use Thompson's on their deck at least. I wonder if maybe using thompson's on the top (weather facing) side and not the bottom would be a good middle ground. provide the weather proofing on the side that really gets hit with the rain and such, and allow anything that does get through to escape through the bottom. Similar to how you treat a backyard deck.

Be good to hear some feedback though on some of you folks who have gone through these projects, particularly those who have had their boats out in use for a year or more to hear how they fared.

[71Rig]

I have a wood deck on my boat and when I did it 4 years ago I painted all the "natural" wood with Valspar exterior floor paint on all sides with two coats.  On top of the decks I added and exterior carpet with a standard carpet adhesive.  I usually keep the boat in a garage but last winter I had it outside and covered.  The key is to keep it dry and when it does get wet to dry it out well and you should be trouble free.  

I used white paint so that if I do ever get a rot/mold problem it will be easier to see.  I also place a fan in the front hold whenever it does get wet to speed up the drying process.  If you take care of it it should take care of you.

Hope that helps.

[done]

Good point on the paint. For some reason I always think wood sealer that kept the woods finish but like you I will be covering mine with carpet so I could care less of it was natural color or hot pink.

[Wilson]

I just built one tonight me and my dad did it all in a day. we worked togeather and got it all done just need to carpet and install doors.  We just found some old paint that we will never use again ( happened to be white) and the back deck I made purple see if anything different happens. All the "pro" bass boats on the lake that I have taked to are just 2x4s and stuff with out any sealer or anything so I don't know.  Depends on how wet it will be and what kind of weather it will see.