Question:
We have an old 17' Fletcher Arrow that we didn't use for a couple of years
now. We plan using it again, but know the floor seems rotten (probably by
being wet all the time while waterskiing, and unsufficient ventilation
during storage). It is still covered by carpet, but it bends (too much)
while walking on it.
My guess is that it's made of plywood, and coated with glassfibre. I would
prefare to remove it totaly and replace it. The whole thing is about 1.4 m
X 1.8 m (about 4 by 6 feet, more or less). I would like to make it as light
as possible, but still quite strong. I'm sick of having wet feet all the
time with this (wet) carpet, so the surface should be very water resistant
as well (fast draining).
What kind of plywood should I use ?
How should I link (mount) it to the shines ? (I've been told to use
stainless steel screws, but I would prefare too glue it as well)
What materials should I use to coat it ?
What kind of surface looks good, drains well, and doesn't get to dirty,
walking on it ?
Answer:
-I think I'd use marine ply (or maybe a bit of ACX since you'll be
covering it with paint and non-skid) you want to coat both sides with
epoxy, you want to be sure the "end grain" is REALLY well coated or it
will suck up water like a wick, you can glass the thing into your hull
with glass tape set in epoxy. Prime it, paint it, use non-skid
compound (white sand) in the second to last coat and you'll be done
-I would suggest buying the book: Runabout Renovation. It covers the
whole process and is what will be guiding me when I redo the floor in my
21 foot cuddy cabin. One thing I will change is to use 1/2 inch marine
plywood that costs $44. per sheet here.
