*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: If the motors knock'n, turn the radio UP!
I have a 1993 center console bay boat that is in excellent shape in every aspect except the floor. Last winter I painted the boat and recently repowered. I really like the boat, but the floor is now getting soft. Can you guys please direct me on how to get started with this project? I would like to know what kind of wood to use, how to treat the wood, how to make sure the joints are sealed, etc. Is there a book I can buy to get me pointed in the right direction? This is a winter project so I have some time, I just want to start getting a game plan in my head. By the way, the reason it is getting soft is that the bottom of the floor was just painted and as it stayed humid in the hull, the wood slowly deteriorated.
interesting thread - lots of potential work, but if you have the time and patience, it will be well worth your effort - I replaced my transom last year using 'THE ROT DOCTOR .COM -unbelievable how helpful these folks are + their stuff is phenomenal -only warning is the 1st 2-part system really really really stinks!! either use it in the open or have a ventalitor?? probably would lose a few brain cells if you work w/ it in a closed garage. It basically is a specialized epoxy + they guarantee the wood will not rot ever again! Lots of photos of various boat projects - spend time reading all their website first - then determine which products you may start with. Good luck - give a holla if ya need some help.
Best bang for your buck to read up on all types of fiberglass repair, including deck, transom, stringer, etc..., is to order the West System manual(s). They are cheap and cover in pretty good detail all aspects and steps of replacement work. I think they are inexpensive because they are hoping you will utilize their products when you go about the work. Anyway, here is a link - http://www.westsystem.info/wesyusmaprgu.html - I think it cost me $3 or something and it was well worth it. Good luck-
For a detailed look at project like this check out classicmako.com and/or classicaquasport.com I would opt for a composite for the floor like coosa or kledge cell if you want to lighten up the boat a bit. If not standard marine ply would work well and is cheaper. I don't think the pourable transom stuff would be the best for a floor replacement. Good luck to you.
Also,when you pull up the old floor,the foam might need replacing too!A full inspection of the stringers at that time is a must for wood rot and your fuel tank inspection too.You will also need for a place that you will be able to dry out the hull.Temperture controled will be needed for fiberglassing too!Best of all,you can change out the way the boat is layed out if you want to what you want it to be.Have at it.Its a job and a mess to start with,but the final out come can be great as a custom boat for your needs!
What my friend did with his old cobia he ripped up the floor and used herculiner on the under side of the wood then screwed it down and epoxied the joints and seem's then herculined the whole topside of the wood looked beautiful and kept it water tight
__________________ Proud to be Union U.W.U.A 1-2
A committed individual can make a difference,but a group of people, United in purpose,Can make the difference
I just finished a floor in my sons 17ft. Its a job, be prepared for other things like stringers, foam gas tank etc.... It was hard work but fun at the same time. Its a good felling when its done and you can look back and say you did it yourself. Email me if you have any questions. Be glad to help
Have heard all good about using Coosa board for floor
Apparently a few differnt people that I know have already used this very dense foam product for their floors very successfully. They did not even glass or even resin the bottom side? It is said it does not need a coating on the underside. It seems very strong.I am going to use it on my next floor project.
i just wanted new carpet in mine over winter and well i ended up putting a floor in mine just because the floor didnt look the greatest to put just carpet down on anywhoo i ll share a few pics
thats what i started with
glassed in the new wood after i sealed it before it went in the boat
and layed the carpet
a lot of little things that i did .. firberglass sucks working with IMO it drys way too fast and make sure you have plenty of ventilation!!!!!!!!!!
and least the inside of the boat is good to go for another 30 years
Replacing Floor on my boat...... 
...hope these help ya...post some pics as you go...it may help someone else... 
... 
