Repairing Guides

how to repair boat deck

by Prof. Zora Schowalter Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Boat Deck Repair: How to Replace the Deck.

  • Step 1: Remove Boat Deck Boards. Using a pry bar, remove the nails and screws that hold the boat deck boards in place. Since you are replacing the ...
  • Step 2: Inspect the Boat Deck Joists.
  • Step 3: Replace Boat Deck Boards.
  • Step 4: Seal the Boat Deck Boards and Joists.

Part of a video titled Deck Repairs Part 2: Replacing the Core - YouTube
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Before. The first step in the process is to use a permanent marker. And straightedge to mark theMoreBefore. The first step in the process is to use a permanent marker. And straightedge to mark the outline of the area to be cut.

Full Answer

How to replace a boat deck?

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Grease pencil
  • Drill
  • 1-inch hole saw
  • Reciprocating saw
  • Acetone
  • Hand grinder
  • Automotive paste wax
  • Countertop material
  • Mold release spray

More items...

How to repair a rotten boat deck?

Rot Repair in Fiberglass Boats

  • The Transom. You can read a lot of glass boat repair manuals and never see anything on the self-repair of transoms.
  • Outboard Transom Repair. ...
  • Inboard/Outboard Transom Repair. ...
  • Floor Replacement. ...
  • Stringers and Supports. ...
  • Engine Beds and Mounts. ...
  • Wood-Cored Decks. ...
  • Delamination. ...
  • Other Problem Areas. ...

How to repair a fiberglass boat deck?

Repairing Minor Gelcoat Cracks

  • Use a rotary tool or scraping tool to open the crack into a “V” shape. ...
  • After removing the dust, you can fill the crack with G/flex® 655, Six10® or WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin®/20X Hardener thickened with 406 Colloidal Silica Adhesive Filler.
  • After the epoxy has fully cured, wash it with water to remove any amine blush. ...

How to install decking in boat?

• Install the deck boards starting from the outside edge of the platform and work toward anchor wall so that ripped pieces abut the wall. Start installing from one end of the board and work toward the other end of the board. OR: Start installing from the center of the board and work out toward the ends of the board. Do not install by fastening each end first and working toward the middle.

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How do you repair a soft spot on a boat deck?

3:5512:41MAS Epoxies Fixing Soft Deck Part 1&2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto any structure on the boat a deck is a structural repair I like to use epoxy resin versusMoreInto any structure on the boat a deck is a structural repair I like to use epoxy resin versus polyester resin you're going to get a much stronger repair.

How do you repair fiberglass deck?

0:1319:40How to repair Fiberglass Deck Core - Installing new Fiberglass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe sanded the bottom skin a fiberglass really coarse. So we get a good surface to adhere to weMoreWe sanded the bottom skin a fiberglass really coarse. So we get a good surface to adhere to we thicken some epoxy resin. And we laid it down on that lower skin.

How do you repair a rotted boat floor?

0:099:40Repairing rotted boat floor (part 2) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown quite a bit before cutting the floor with the circular. Saw my main concern was to make sure weMoreDown quite a bit before cutting the floor with the circular. Saw my main concern was to make sure we had enough space between the surface of the floor. And the top of the solid core hull.

How do you fix a soft boat floor?

If the problem is due to fiberglass weakening, you'll want to sand the affected area until the soft spot is noticeably lower than the surrounding area. In fact, in certain spots, you might sand all the way through the fiberglass.

How do you repair rotted wood in a fiberglass boat?

If however, you choose to use this method, we recommend the following procedure:Drill a pattern of 3/16″ diameter holes over the rotted area. ... Dry the area thoroughly. ... Inject or pour resin/hardener mixture into the holes while the core is warm. ... Continue to add epoxy to the holes until the wood can no longer absorb more.More items...•

How do you Epoxy a boat deck?

4:176:07How to Repair a Boat Deck by AeroMarine Products - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can inject epoxy until it saturates. Without having to worry about it. Going to waste in the gapMoreWe can inject epoxy until it saturates. Without having to worry about it. Going to waste in the gap above the headliner. You can see there it's coming out of that hole that's.

Can you use regular plywood on boat floor?

Cold molded boats are made all the time with strips of regular plywood protected by layers of fiberglass. As long as you glass them properly they will never be exposed to moisture and should be fine. You can use exteriior plywood. The glues are the same as in marine ply.

How much does it cost to replace deck on boat?

The cost depends on the level of damage and the square footage of the deck requiring replacement. A boat deck replacement can be done partially or in its entirety. Boats ranging from 18 to 25 feet will fall in the range of 3,000 to 10,000 dollars for a complete deck overhaul.

What kind of plywood do I need to replace boat floor?

Marine plywood is a great sheet material that can be easily cut using both hand saws and basic power tools. Marine plywood is often used to build boat interiors and to replace flooring during boat renovations.

How do you reinforce a fiberglass boat floor?

8:3523:35How to: Repair Fibreglass Boat Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut our epoxy fill down with blue and fill it in filler feels. So nice thick creamy peanut butterMorePut our epoxy fill down with blue and fill it in filler feels. So nice thick creamy peanut butter with we're blaster or we put a coat of resin on them to the side of our ply.

How thick should plywood be on a boat floor?

3/4 would seem plenty on a boat that size, it's usually 1/2 or 3/4. I used 3/4 on the floor of my CC it's very solid and is what I would use on your project.

What causes soft spots in boat floors?

Hi Jeff, Normally, a soft spot is caused when the foam beneath the fiberglass deck gets compressed. The fiberglass usually pops back into place but the foam remains compressed. Soft spots can be caused several ways. The most common is body weight being bounced up & down in the same spot.

Where to place old deck boards?

Since you are replacing the boat deck you will need to take up every deck board on your boat deck. Place the old deck boards in a recycling facility or other type of facility that can make use of them that is environmentally safe and friendly.

Do deck boards need to be replaced?

Inspect the joists that the deck boards rest on to see of any of them require replacement as well. The joists will be exposed as you pull up deck boards for the entire deck. The damaged joists that you discover will also be replaced in the same manner that the deck boards are replaced.

How to repair a fiberglass sanding board?

With the plywood backing attached to the other side of the repair apply a thin application of Bondo to fill the damaged area. For best results apply the Bondo filler in thin applications, carefully building up the cavity of the damaged area. Sand the final filler coat of Bondo and apply the fiberglass cloth material. Cover the fiberglass material with one or two coats of fiberglass resin as needed, and sand the final coat smoothly.

How to repair a sanded sandstone?

Begin by carefully and diligently cleaning the repair area thoroughly and any surrounding area. Be sure to cut out all damaged sections and edges, leaving clean areas and edges on which to work. Sand the area with 80 grit sandpaper and clean with epoxy or acetone cleaner. Be sure to don a face mask and eye protection before attempting to work with chemicals. Also be sure to provide adequate ventilation through the use of a fan and in an airy environment.

How to repair exposed side of a drywall?

To repair the exposed side, stretch the fiberglass cloth material over the repair site, apply a thin coat of fiberglass resin and allow to dry. Work the fiberglass and cloth material to remove any bubbles to ensure as smooth a surface as possible. Repeat applications of fiberglass and resin as necessary to build the surface of the cavity or repair to match the existing surface.

Why do boat decks rot?

As the deck boards crack or warp, they may also begin to rot and become unusable. The rotting can be accelerated by the wood used on the deck being improperly treated or not the right type of materials to use on a boat deck. When the signs of rotting are present and noticeable, the entire boat deck needs to be replaced in order to restore the boat deck to its proper state.

Why do boat deck boards curl up?

As the deck boards become warped and curl up, this will cause the deck to become unstable and eventually unusable. Before the boat's deck reaches a point where the deck boards start to come up, you will need to pull them up and replace them.

How many pieces of replacement core for a deck?

Using the laminate skin as a template, Dave built the replacement core in three pieces—two triangular side pieces and a trapezoidal middle section —for ease of handling and to help the core conform to any curve in the deck. Because the replacement core was thicker than the space between laminates, he marked off the distance of the overhanging lip of fiberglass and used a router to remove the extra thickness around the side edge of each board.

How did Dave break down the fiberglass core?

With the laminate and the wood removed, Dave next attacked the remaining core between the lip of interior fiberglass and the deck. To remove the rot he broke it into smaller pieces with a chisel and then used his deck caulking reeving tools (which resemble bent screwdrivers) to clean out these scraps of rotten wood. Once the area to be repaired was completely clear, it was time to build the replacement core.

Does laminate decking rot?

With proper treatment, deck laminate penetration will not lead to rot, and you’ll never have to worry about replacing the deck core. Connie McBride and her husband, Dave, sailed away in 2002 on their 34ft Creekmore, Eurisko.

Can you put epoxy in a hole in a plywood deck?

Similarly, if you make a large hole, such as for a hawsepipe, in a plywood deck, coat the exposed wood with epoxy. For a cored deck, scrape out a ring of core from between the two laminates and fill this area with thickened epoxy. With proper treatment, deck laminate penetration will not lead to rot, and you’ll never have to worry about replacing ...

How to repair a hole in a boat hull?

To repair a hole in the hull, you may need to get some new core material. Try to match the new core material with the existing core material. Make sure the remaining core material is dry.

How thick is boating fabric?

These weights will help determine how thick and strong the material is. Popular boating fabric weights are 10 ounces, 6 ounces, 4 ounces, and 1.5- ounce cloths. These fabrics are sold by the yard and generally come in widths between three and five feet.

What is the core material of a boat?

The core material is just the material that is encapsulated by the fiberglass cloth and resin. Core material on boats is usually balsam wood or a foam core. However, almost any material can become a core material.

What is the best boat to own?

Fiberglass boats are arguably the best kind of boats you can own. They’re lightweight, fun to use, and easy to maintain.

How long does it take to paint fiberglass?

The way you’ll do this is you’ll mix up a small amount of resin that you can successfully paint on over the fiberglass within about 15 to 20 minutes. This is about how much time you’ll have before the resin begins to dry and harden.

Why do sailboats have a keel?

On a sailboat, the keel keeps the boat upright in the water and helps to keep it stable in heavy winds. Being at the bottom of the boat leaves it much more vulnerable to scraping the ground and running into rocks. For this reason, a keel can often take damage even when the rest of the boat remains trouble-free.

Can you sand a gel coat boat?

Unfortunately, some deep scratches in the gel coat can end up creating a lot of prep work. You’ll end up needing to do a lot of sanding to get the boat to look new again .

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