1971 Flatback

[LilRichard]

JJ- anytime you want to head north for an afternoon let me know... I'll provide the beverages.  Wait, better yet, let's go fishing when she's done!

[slippery73]

Why did you go with plywood decking instead of a composite material? Any benefits? Cost? etc?

[LilRichard]

Well I had seriously considered Coosa, but the weight difference was nil... After coating Coosa on both sides with glass (versus one side for wood- you just coat the bottom with resin and light cloth) it weighs the same as wood.  The sole I had in the boat when I got it was 30 years old with only a few soft spots.  So for $70 a sheet I got PT wood... versus $190 a sheet for Coosa.  Fairly easy decision for me.

[slippery73]

Got ya, im doing nidacore board myself just was interested to see why you were going the ply route. The port side of my sole was completely dry after 34 years, it was the starboard side that had a single 4" hole cut in it for the rigging cable that rotted out the entire sole.  I cant believe nobody sealed the edges where it was cut, if they did it would still be solid. Thats also with the balsa ply, I would think it would be more prone to rot than even standard non pt wood. Check out the nidacore site, they have been doing promotions to get their product out. If your a qualified business they will give you their special deal. I got all my decking from them for $150, about 160sq ft. of material. They have more specials on the site as well, free gallon of core bonding compound, etc. Check em out.

http://www.nida-core.com/english/promotions_h8pp.htm

[LilRichard]

Nidacore is good stuff- but it takes quite a bit more prep than wood or Coosa.  I need this boat functional... been working for a year+ so far... want to get fishing.  If I get 30 years out of this floor I will be happy.  Thanks for the heads up though!

[slippery73]

If the wood is used correctly and preventative measures are taken (which you are) then you should have no problem getting 30 years or more out of that wood deck. As long as you seal up any holes and dont let it get wet you'll be fine.

[LilRichard]

Well here it goes (with the wood):









I got most of the floor cut today before the rain came... going to finish tomorrow.  After that I need to get the final preparations done below the sole, then hope to get glassing next weekend.

By the way, I am using a wood called "Marine Tech".  It's an AB quality pressure treated marine plywood.  They pressure treat the wood, then kiln dry it a second time... thus the glass will stick to it.

[LilRichard]

Finished cutting the floor today, along with the casting platform.  Pretty happy with the fit...









Last pic is for the CM guys... gotta get the foot in the shot!

Time to get grinding... ugh.  

[RickK]

Good job  :!:  :!:
Are you going to build a column from the top of the casting deck down to the storage under it? Or are you going with the "hidden" storage like Mike?

[LilRichard]

Rick- Thanks.  Are you referring to a support for the middle of the casting platform?  If so, yes, there will be a support down the middle of the platform connecting it to the stringer below.

[RickK]

Oh, I thought that white area was a baitwell or storage.

[LilRichard]

You are correct... white area will be storage, but I will have a small support going from the stringer (white) up to the platform.

[wiler55]

where did you get your ply wood from for your sole? how thick is it and what is the exact name of it.

[LilRichard]

Got it from LLT in Tampa.  It is 3/4" Marine Tech.

[Mike Answeeney]

Really really nice Richard.  I keep thinking about stopping by to see it in person but it just hasn't happened yet.

When do you think you'll have her in the water for the first time?