question for boat remodelers - STEVE BAKKEN!!

[augernaut]

Hi all, I've got a 14' Starcraft aluminum, pretty deep V boat. I want to put a flat floor and perhaps a casting deck in it. I have a few questions though, hoping for some guidance...

1.) I'm thinking 1/2 or 5/8" BC plywood, with a herculiner covering over the top - should I still coat it with epoxy resin before I apply the herculiner?

2.) What's the best way to frame this all in - can I go with treated lumber, or should I put in regular lumber, coated with epoxy resin, or what? Any tips on how to frame it? I was thinking 1 or 2 stringers that run the length of the boat in the bottom, the same height as the "slots" that are on each gunwale - I could then support the plywood by fitting it inside these slots and screwing it to the stringers...

3.) can I safely remove the center bench seat in order to put in a livewell, etc, in addition to gaining more usable floor space, or will this really effect the structural integrity of the hull?

As you can see, I'm a total newbie, I've done some internet research, but am still unsure as how to go about it all.

thanks a TON for any help...

[Steve Bakken]

Hi, Augernaut,

I'll try to answer these in the order that you asked them.

1. I'm not familiar with the Herculiner brand, so this is just a guess. With the product that we use, it is fairly thick and durable, and it penetrates the wood itself, so there really isn't much concern about protecting the wood. My suggestion would be to spray a test panel, let it cure, and then give 'er heck. If the herculiner holds up, go for it. If you can expose bare wood at all, then to be safe, treat it with resin first and then rough it up with 80 grit before you put on the herculiner.

2. Honestly, since the 2x4's aren't laying flat, or directly against the bottom of the hull, you shouldn't have too much trouble with water in these. You can get by just fine with good quality standard pieces. As long as you use good maintainance on the care of your boat.

3. You can remove the center bench as long as you:

1. Replace any removed foam by putting it back somewhere else. Up under the gunwhales works great.
2. You either run a brace from the sidewall down to the floor, or you put in a side storage unit to replace the structural rigitity of the sidewall.

Hope that helps.

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Steve @ Bakken's Boat Shop www.bakkensboatshop.com

[augernaut]

Thanks Steve - very helpfull info! Herculiner is one of the aftermarket roll on bedliners you can buy at Menards or Home Depot or Ace Hardware. Maybe I'll have to take a closer look at the package and see if it will work. One more thing - if I do remove the center bench, how would you recommend that I seal the rivet holes in the hull? Should I just put new rivets in, or seal them with 5200?

[Steve Bakken]

We always use rivets. It looks cleaner, and it will hold up your resale value better if it looks factory.

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Steve @ Bakken's Boat Shop www.bakkensboatshop.com

[huskiesplayer15]

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