Deck Replacement 18 SF

[uncleboo]

I'm just beginning the work to recore my transom, deck, helm pad on the console, gunwale caps and the hatches. Going to do all the demo work myself and have a friend, (professional fiberglass guy), do all the glassing. My question for right now is, is it less expensive to recore the old deck skin or have the new deck fabricated from one of the composite materials? Speaking about the stuff that has 1/4" of glass, lightweight core and a thin coat of glass on the backside. All thoughts are welcome.

[FLexpat]

I struggled with the same question. Even though its more expensive (~$300-500?), I decided to make a new deck for several reasons:

• My nonskid is in bad shape and I didn't want to spend time/effort in grinding it off of the old skin before I put a new nonskid down.
• I did not want to spend a ton of time trying to get a good blend on the cut line of the deck - getting the height right seems like a challenge and so does matching nonskid.
• I wanted to use the remaining edges of the old deck after I cut it out to support the new deck.
• Most of the new seam lines will be hard to see so screwups are hidden better.
• My new deck will sit ~ 1/4" higher but the new core will be thicker (.75 Corecell vs. .375 balsa/plywood mix) and provides a little more flotation.
• With a new deck I could vac bag the whole thing to make it stronger and not have to worry about a delamination or bond separation to the old skin. It is more like putting a new liner in the hull.

Good luck with the decision - I waffled back and forth a bunch before I cut the deck but cracking the old skin when I pulled it of confirmed the decision for my case.

[uncleboo]

I had a nice long response with some other points and the site timed out and kicked me off. Soooooo, I'll respond with additional info. later.

[uncleboo]

Update. I have been stripping the boat for the repairs. Got to a point where I could see the thickness of the outer skin of the deck. It's about 3/8" thick. Will be cutting it out this weekend, hopefully. If it's that thick overall, I'm going to proceed with decoring it and we'll make the decision of recoring that or using the composite board when I take it to the glass shop. I'm struggling with downloading, uploading and all that crap as I now have to work with windows 10 and I'm not that savvy with it, but, will somehow get the pics coming soon.

One thing I saw, there is the number '8025' molded into the inside of the splashwell in the center of the transom . Any of the other hulls have a number there? Another mystery?

[flyingfrizzle]

I think if you are doing spot repairs it works out doing a re-core by pulling the skins in the effected areas but if the entire deck needs changing I would think you are better off cutting it out. You will get a better end result and can make modifications to height if wanted or any other changes. I think you will end up with a stronger deck as well done new. It leaves an option to build on a molding table upside down out of the boat for a clean finish that dose not need as much sanding and fairing if you go that route. Also one big thing is you will get to inspect the under side. You can check on the foam under the deck for water, stringer tops to make sure they are sealed with out holes, check for cracks or damage to areas hidden by the deck. When the deck is out you will be able to access everything during that window. Give me a call if you need any help. Sent you a PM.

Originally Posted by uncleboo

I had a nice long response with some other points and the site timed out and kicked me off. Soooooo, I'll respond with additional info. later.

I hate when the site dose that. You loose all that you typed once it time out. I started right clicking the text and copying it prior to clicking the post button so that if it kicked me off I could log back in then just reply again then right click and paste the original text back with out retyping it. Maybe that trick will help.

[uncleboo]

[QUOTE=flyingfrizzle;255370]I think if you are doing spot repairs it works out doing a re-core by pulling the skins in the effected areas but if the entire deck needs changing I would think you are better off cutting it out. You will get a better end result and can make modifications to height if wanted or any other changes. I think you will end up with a stronger deck as well done new. It leaves an option to build on a molding table upside down out of the boat for a clean finish that dose not need as much sanding and fairing if you go that route. Also one big thing is you will get to inspect the under side. You can check on the foam under the deck for water, stringer tops to make sure they are sealed with out holes, check for cracks or damage to areas hidden by the deck. When the deck is out you will be able to access everything during that window. Give me a call if you need any help. Sent you a PM.[QUOTE]

The floor is coming out. Just weighing the cost of all new material or recoring my old skin, which appears to be substantial. I will be raising the floor as well. Thanks for the help, guys!

[Beaver]

On my 18 I moved my new tank forward, moved the console only about 2 inches forward and moved the batteries from the opening of the console toward the bow only about 16". It rides fantastic. I wouldn't have guessed just slight moves forward would make such a difference.

[uncleboo]

http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...1&d=1518622788

Testing 1,2,3

[uncleboo]

I'm in business, now! I'll be getting some pics up tomorrow. (you know, it's Valentines Day and I can't be late getting home tonight).

[uncleboo]

By the way, the above pic was after I da sanded the hull with 800 and buffed with 3m.