mike rousseau Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 Hey everyone... Gotta redo my floor in my boat... Is there any reason I can't lay a sheet of aluminum instead of wood? Just a thought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushart Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 I know guys that lay checkerplate aluminum---clean easy and they love it---lighter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinker Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 No reason at all..go for it! Just make sure its strong enough, or you add extra support....i know your a big dude! S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted September 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 I know people that weld aluminum so I was hoping to add support as well as move seat locations... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinker Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 Best floor going if you ask me. Cover it in vinyl and your set for a looooong time. S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelhunter Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 Where would you get it thick enough to use I need to do mine as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowPoke Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 It's much more expensive and won't be lighter than marine plywood. I used 3/16" plate and 1/4" angle for support. I just happen to be fishing with the guy that bought my old boat this weekend and the vinyl clad aluminium is 100% while the 3/4" marine plywood for the casting deck is already deteriorating under the seat post mount after 6 years. If you plan on keeping the boat, go for it. Be prepared to support the plate because is will flex underfoot without adequate support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 tone z71 Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 Mike I've been under a total restore all summer..still long way to go..But it was stripped right to the hull new foam and all...now the floors I thought about the aluminum ...its pricey but so is wood done right ..I went with 3/4 GIS.. two coats of west epoxy on both sides and perimeter,,, 3m 5200 any holes for seats screws over the epoxy etc...overkill..but i want it to last..the reason I did not go with the aluminum floor is the extra bracing required ..fit and finish ..and the noise..I work out of several all welded boats all day ..I like the comfort of wood and carpet..I've moved seats ..added seats...customized storage..its a good time to look at fuel ..bilge ..livewell hoses etc while your in there..good luck on your project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aplumma Posted September 2, 2014 Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 A third thought is it will get hot in the sun. I removed a aluminum deck on the jetdrive and replaced it with wood and my feet are much happier. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted September 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 Think I'm gunna stick with wood... I've got a garage lined up already for winter... Gunna limp till then... That'll give me time to get carpet and other supplies on sale maybe... Another question tho... Rivets or screw down the floor...? Currently it's got rivets... It is an older aluminum boat that gets banged around in rough water enough so I was worried about screws coming loose... Not sure if lock tight would hold with all the banging... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpt Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 Paint the wood with mistake paint from your local big box supply store. 1 quart will do 2 4x8 sheets. Cover with carpet or http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|2276179|2276198|2276202&id=23708, lasts a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinker Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 Do wood with vinyl. Scrap the carpet idea. I screwed my floor in with stainless screws and they haven't budged. They are much easier to install than the rivets, just make sure you don't screw them down too tight or they break off. S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tb4me Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 Hey Mike, im in the same boat..lol pun intended. Cant wait till after Walleye closes to tear into my boat.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 My boat came from the manufacturer with all aluminium flooring. Way better than wood by far. All of the sub structure in my boat is also aluminium. Decking is .125" (1/8") and carpet covered in my boat. A lot of the West coast boats use aluminium checker plate decking with no covering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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