other floor materials?

[83PREDICTOR]

I am about to replace my 83' predictor floor.

Has anyone used or know of a material that I can use other then wood?

composite, plastic, rubbermade?

 

[83PREDICTOR]

opps, I ment to post this threadin the overhaulin forum.

 

[Blizz]

Some people are using HD foam panels for floors, there's lots of controversy about using it. I personnally wouldn't, but to each his own.

 

[83PREDICTOR]

DOES anyone know of a plastic type material that I could buy in a sheet that would be strong enough for a floor?

 

[Chris E]

its called starboard, you can get it in 5x9 x 1/2" sheets i used to have stepboards made out of it. very strong stuff and very expensive. you can use it to make stringers, transoms, floors, you name it. comes in grey, black, and white. you'll probably find it at a wholesale plastic supply company. i used to buy it from a company called "wharehouse plastic sales" in Toronto.

 

[JUPITER PULSARE]

Starboard would be very heavy to use as a floor and bonding it to fiberglass could be difficult. Most people will use marine ply glassed on both sides. Starboard is great for building seat boxes, partitions, ski locker doors, combing panels, etc.

 

[ndmate]

Hardwood

If sealed properly prior to installation one of the strongest materials you will find is Baltic Birch. Its comes in 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 inch sheets that are sized 5' square. I used it to build a floor and transom in a Hydrostream and have been very happy with it. Im a Structural engineer and put some thought into the strength factor. The 1/2" baltic birch has 9 laminated layers and a good F'b bending stress. Use a west system epoxy, roven woven and some chop strand along with the Hardwood and it will outlast you if you dont leave the boat sit outside uncovered year round.

 

[thakhed]

hello.mabe check into this stuff called kingstarboared

 

[Enticer1]

Floor Replacment

Mike, you don't want to use " starboard " because neither Polyester or Epoxy resin will bond properly. If you properly glass both sides of quality marine plywood it will outlive you even if the boat does sit outside. I've used both types of resin and grown to prefer Epoxy because of the predictable cure times. West System is the most expensive epoxy but they are not the only show in town. Remember both types of resin have very little UV resistance so use a quality marine paint to protect the floor (or carpet of course)

Doug (Enticer1):cheers

 

[HONDAM]

Penske Board is a composite material they use in World Class Catamarans instead of wood. Very Very strong and light. Might want to check on that, from what i hear its kinda expensive though but i think that is going to be common with composite materials.

 

[cooperider]

Coosa Board! Very expensive.

www.coosacomposites.com