In the next few weeks, I'm planning on redoing the front deck on my Nitro. Right now, it is set up more like a fish and ski, than a REAL bassboat. I will post some pictures, but I left my camera at work last night. The two biggest things I need help with right now is: I am planning on using marine grade plywood with indoor/outdoor carpet glued and stapled for the deck. What thickness should I use? And the other thing: I see in many boats an organizer that holds the plastic Plano boxes. Does anyone know where I can buy this organizer for a retro-fit? Thanks in advance. I know you guys will have answers.
Marine grade plywood will work but I think regular plywood coated the polyurethane a couple of times is better. I think the poly seals in the pits and voids better and you can coat the edges better. They also make a plastic "plywood" you can buy, but I remember it being expensive. I would not use staples...they will rust and break. Either use contact cement or water proof carpet adhesive and that's it. Now, your question is "what thickness should I use?" What thickness of what? Wood? I would use at least a 1/2 inch or 3/4. The front deck on my boat is about 1" think in most spots.
Cy
what ever you use plywood you need to put sealer on it before you glue (not staple ) the carpet down. If you don't use a sealer on your plywood it will absorb water. this will steadily make it heavier, which will give you less bow lift and slow you down. also will rot faster if you don't seal it
oldjigger
So far, so good. I'm already learning. Thanks guys
Use regular marine grade carpet also. Bass Pro sells it. It resists hooks a lot better thatn indoor/outdoor
I replaced some flooring in an old Nitro I had a few ago.
I bought regular ole CDX that was "good" on one side.
I painted the wood with fiberglass resin to seal it. I then put a couple really thin layers of fiberglass cloth on that. When I sold that boat, the area that I had repaired was the best spot on the boat.
Yeah Rick has the right idea. If you cover the wood in "glass" it will better then factory. Dan is right on the carpet. I know Lowes has good marine grade carpet too. When I re-did my boat I bought it online as bassboatcarpets.com
Cy
What ever you do. NEVER put looped I/O carpeting in the boat. ;D I made that mistake, any hook that touched the carpet was in for good. I had to cut the barbs off the hook to get it out of the carpet with out it fraying all apart.
Mike, as stated several times... you can use standard plywood that is finished on one side. It will be best for the "up" side... the carpeted side. Resin coating is a MUST or you'll simply be doing it again in a couple years (and it will be much cheaper than the costs of a sheet of marine grade plywood too). Do NOT use simple indoor/outdoor carpet for the reasons mentioned above... you will only curse yourself for doing it! You can order it from Lowes... or better yet.... you should stop in my store and I'll set you up with everything you need except the wood.... resin, spreaders, glass if you choose to put a layer on, carpet, and glue (even a Humminbird if you need one! :D )
Mike, I'm going to take you up on that. It will be worth the drive. I'll call you soon about it. Now, anyone have any ideas about the storage piece?
Myself with the help of Stackenem just did what you are about to do Mike. I had an old fish and ski rig and wanted the whole front to be deck space.
We used 1/2 inch plywood. I sealed it and then put marine grade carpet down. Looks great
Mike, You can get really nice Plano 3700 box holders from Bass Cat..
From what I have heard from multiple boat brand owners Bass Cat has some great carpeting...You can find that in their store also..
Click on link below...
http://www.basscatstore.com/tackleorganizer.aspx (http://www.basscatstore.com/tackleorganizer.aspx)
Mike how are you supporting the new floor?
JC, I have to build it up a couple inches. I was planning on using treated boards, and painting them with spar varnish, then glueing it all together so I dont use any metal screws. Planned on making the frame for the new storage area the same way.
Mike, you can give me a call just about anytime between 9 and 5 at the store (except Mondays... I'm off fishing!). 616-954-9822. I'll help you out with whatever you need.
Using ply is ok BUT remember the thickness adds weight go as thin as possible and use reinforcing for the main traffic areas. Pushing that extra weight accross the water costs money plus makes the bow heavier and affects handling.
REELMAN
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Waterfowl,
What colors do you have available for carpet? I need a lighter blue color and can't find it any where, would you have any in stock or be able to order some? I can send you a picture of my boats carpet so that you can see it if need be. I believe the color name is indigo but I can be sure. Thanks Mike
Shoot me a picture and I'll see what I can do!
use this email:
mgr00154@westmarinestores.com
Mike