Any good ideas?

[Doc & Nash]

Any good ideas other than plywood wrapped in outdoor carpet for a floor in a boat??

[Wildfowler]

Take it to a welder or a machinist and have them measure, then cut a piece of aluminum for the floor. They should be able to cut it so there are no big gaps around the ribs. Then you can get you some of that bedliner mix in a can, or Line-X it.

[featherduster]

You can get one eighth inch diamond plate aluminum in a 5 x 10 sheet for about $120. Can be cut with a skilsaw with an abrasive blade and trimmed out with a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade.

[peewee]

Hey featherduster, If you aint got no boat how did you know to do that. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Just kiddin sounds like a great idea and I bet it would look dang good.

[Doc & Nash]

FD-WF What would be the best way to attach it, Would you use pop rivits or self tapping sheet metal screws??

[gyver]

i would use self tapping sheet metal screws.layout your floor just like you want it using cardboard. that makes for a great inexpensive pattern that you can transfer to the aluminum. then if you want you can take it to a machine shop and let them cut it with a plasma cutter or cut it your self. i'm a machinist. [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[mississippi_duc_htr]

Also take and get some ah heck cant think of the name of it right now. The stuff you put up on walls stryrofoam and had a solid sheet of paper backing on one side, It's really inexpensive and light weight. Take and cut it ( you can use a knife or a carpet cutter)too fit between the ribs under the floor. you will probly have too double layer it too fill up the space between the bottom and the floor. it will muffel the sounds in your boat and help keep the floor from popping so much. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] GOOD LUCK! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[chance]

Any of you guys had any experience with the Rhino lining inside of your aluminum boat? I need to re-carpet and might have it sprayed instead.

[Red_Head]

Chance, If you decide to line-x or rhinoline or whoever you go with make sure they do a rough finish otherwise you'll bust your booty when it gets wet. I started to do a bowfishing boat deck that way and thought of how many times I would bust my booty and decided against it. Good Luck.

[featherduster]

I'd definitely use sheet metal screws no less than #10. The insulation referred in an earlier post is called silverboard at most hardware or building supply outlets. Most ribs in boats are one inch tall so you can buy one half inch silverboard and double it between every rib. It will dramatically reduce noise. As far as coatings for the floor, you can get epoxy floor paint in just about any color and mix sand in the paint before you roll it in and it makes an excellent non-skid surface and is a heck of a lot cheaper than spray in alternatives and dang near just as tough and you can touch it up yourself if you gouge it.

[Wildfowler]

I agree, use the screws to attach the floor. I know from personal experience that the rivets will pop right up. Also, that's a great idea to mix the sand in with the paint. I've heard of that before but have never tried it. I installed carpet on the floor of my boat and deck, so that I can walk around barefoot in the Summer. I don't know, but I would think that a painted fishing deck would get mighty hot in the sun.

And remember, that boat ownership is the most fun when you first get the boat. A couple of years from now, and you'll hate it and you will be ready for another one. So take advantage of it now.

[Doc & Nash]

WF, I hope you wrong about "a couple of years from know", I plan on this boat lasting me a while.

Who would I call in the Memphis area to get a sheet of alum.? I would imangine a 4x8 would be sufficient, or should I contact Tracker and buy a floor kit for $250.00?? I would still have to do the installation but at least they make all the cuts and ect.

[00duck]

i have a 15 foot weldbuilt fishing boat that i have been meaning to put a floor in thinking about 1/2 in poly compoist board ie plastic make template out of cardboard cut plastic install with 1 in self tapping screws counter sink after making pilot holes ruff with sand paper apply marine grad gule and carpet cost about 125. what do you think [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[Doc & Nash]

It would be light weight but what about the cold, would it get brittle, I could just see it busting in the freezing weather.

[00duck]

no it is basicly the same they use at the boat mfg. plants
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