Trying to re-deck

[serimikono]

Im looking to redeck my 1990 Starcraft Mariner MR220V coz the transom hatch is going and the deck by the console is soft. I want something really durable, so i'm avoiding marine plywood and considering either 1/8" aluminum with non-skid or a synthetic like Kingboard or Starboard. The synthetics are heavy, almost twice the weight of aluminum... so i'm leaning toward aluminum. For those who've done aluminum decks, how did you deal with it being much thinner than 3/4" plywood?

 

[Radler.v8]

Run it over a support grid or frame so the thin sheet doesn't flex too much and it won't replace the thickness of plywood on its own. Add non skid and maybe some rubber or foam underlayment to help with traction and dampen vibrations.

 

[serimikono]

Run it over a support grid or frame so the thin sheet doesn't flex too much and it won't replace the thickness of plywood on its own. Add non skid and maybe some rubber or foam underlayment to help with traction and dampen vibrations.

Yeah i guess that makes perfect sense, i figured a good support grid was the key to preventing the thin aluminum from flexing. The non-skid and underlayment sound like great ideas for traction and dampening vibrations, too. When you say the support grid or frame, do you have a preference for material? Would you recommend using aluminum for that as well, or would a properly treated wood frame be just as effective?

 

[Gbakman]

Hey I am new here but have been working on my 1979 StarCraft Fishmaster 160 that I purchased that had been gutted. Someone previously had used treated lumber and it had pin holes in the hull because the treated lumber and aluminum don’t mix well together. So just be careful with the wood you use. If I had the money when I was buying materials, I would have bought some of the special made material for the floor. I can give you one suggestion for making supports, go to one of the lumber stores and purchase metal studs,
Yes, the kind they use in commercial construction. It’s aluminum and very easy to use and very light weight. I used it to make all my sub flooring and to build my bow platform. Just make sure you use stainless steel screws!