New Deck Flooring

[love2travel203]

Hi, I hope I can get some insight to some ideas. I have a 1973 32 Flybridge Sedan. The Decking was all rotted and could not be removed to be traced.. Now it has all been removed and trashed.

What is the best way to go about putting in new plywood? Is the only answer to put cardboard down and work with that?

The good thing is the hatches are still 100% in great condition...

Any thoughts or help would be great

[jralbert]

Glad you were able to log in and post..

-appeal to an owner of a similar boat (lots out there) here and on FB to do a cardboard template for you.
-consider not plywood (but if you do, it's marine plywood painted thoroughly both sides before you lay it down -- edges very important) but rather Plasteak. They make an underlayment and tongue and groove boards that are easy to work with and last "forever". Costs more but worth every penny. For example, I have a scrap piece that has been exposed to constant weather in my backyard for more than 20 yrs with little sign of wear.

and finally, do keep us updated on yr progress. good luck with the renovation.

[BlueSkye]

Hello love2travel,

I have a similar Marinette, although an Express. I replaced the outside deck with white 3/4" HDPE a few years back and am absolutely happy with the results. I had been thinking about the project for a while as there was a large soft spot. Being boarded by two coast guard officers made the decision as they both stood on the soft area while asking me questions. Luckily they didn't go through.

I did have to add some additional aluminum supports to meet the specified maximum 18 inch span requirements. My interior cabin floor hasn't rotted. It's not covered with parquet like yours. Will you be able to reuse the hardwood?