First fish house builder rafter question?

[mnhunter2]

How strong do you make the rafters for a 6.5 x 14 retractable wheel house, was planning on using 2x6 cut to 2 1/2 on each end to get my slope and I thinking of 16" or 24" centers?

[hanson]

I think you should be good with that. I put mine on 16" centers. I also added 2x blocking between the rafters to stiffen it up a little more.

[King Canada]

It will probably work but remember you are transfering the load to the walls at the rafters narrowest point. This is an old carpenter's advice. Take two peices of 3/4 exterior plywood 6 inces wide, glue them together and cut your rafter out of them. You won't add weight but it'll be stong enough to dance on.

[TooBusy]

I built a 7 x 14 a few years ago and I just used 2x4s with the same idea as you. I cut them down from 3 1/2 inches down to 2 inches. Sheeted them with 1/2 plywood on the inside and used corrugated st Is plenty strong and have not had a bit of problem with drainage. Used 16" centers. There is very little weight difference from 2x4 to 2x6 in this application. I agree The plywood suggestion would work every bit as well if not better.

[MinnesotaMuskie]

The plywood is by far supereior...I have done both. My current house is plywood...slightly lighter and many times stronger.

I used lots of construction adhesive as well.