Floor replacement

[elwin]

Has anyone used kevlar instead of fiberglass over the plywood when replacing a floor?

 

[Rob B]

Has anyone used kevlar instead of fiberglass over the plywood when replacing a floor?

I've used coosa board in place of exterior plywood, never have to worry about rot again. I would assume Kevlar is similar not sure though. Maybe someone on here has used it.

 

[sim]

Interesting concept. Especially in a war zone.
You're in Georgia, yes?

 

[elwin]

I am talking about Kevlar instead of fiberglass matting on the floor

 

[blacktruck]

I am talking about Kevlar instead of fiberglass matting on the floor

It would definitely work, some say overkill but that's personal. I know Tuff marine sometimes uses it and same with other custom builders, you might try and ask the ones that do and see what they've found.

Or, ask a rep from Dupont directly:
http://www.dupont.com/products-and-.../fibers/uses-and-applications/composites.html

Other info:
http://www.cruisingworld.com/how/composite-construction-decoding-matrix

 

[JT Patroni]

Unless you plan on using a 400hp motor on an 8 foot pram the use of kevlar would be unnecessary overkill.
I know my comparison is stretching the imagination a bit but I think you would be wasting your money. It is not going to add any more moisture resistance.
I myself have a tendency to over build, but I wouldn't go so far as to use kevlar on the flooring unless you plan on using plywood that is thinner than 1/2". My suggestion would be to use a better grade of plywood. I suggest Meranti Hydrotec or Okoume BS-1088. No voids or patches in those.

Good luck with your project.

 

[blacktruck]

I'd go with coosa for the floor. Plywood is the opposite of overkill, it can work but..

 

[Hack]

Plywood is the opposite of overkill, it can work but..

I agree... To a point. Decent plywood, carefully soaked in resin, will do the job. As long as the boat is protected from the elements. The problem with a lot of older boats is how they were stored. Most sat in the water with just a sub-par cover on them. Or sat outside with a sub par cover on them. Or were just left open to the elements. Not a good way to prevent rot.

20 odd years ago, I bought a 22' Sylvan at an auction, and ended up replacing all the flooring because of bad owner storage. Granted, it was a heck of a lot easier to replace the floor inside an aluminum boat. But still a project none the less.