Deck Materials???
 

Starting to redo a 69 Formula Thunderbird. The deck is pretty well mush. I was thinking of building a cored deck using fiberglass and polystyrene foam planking. Think from Home Depot. Any input would be appreciated. I know it's not a Seacraft but still looks like it could be an addition the the toys.
Thanks
Bob

Re: Deck Materials???
 

I would consider a material designed for marine applications, like Coosa Composites. We use a ton of this at Proline...

Re: Deck Materials???
 

i plan on using coosa for the transom in my 23. plan on using plywood for the floor because it will hold screws for the t-top. how does pro-line secure tops ??

Re: Deck Materials???
 

Why would you usecoosa for the transom and not just use wood? Mine is solid wood and glass. At least 5 inch on the transom

Re: Deck Materials???
 

my reason behind it is, its lighter and since SC's are already stern heavy i figured it could use all the help it can get. thats the other reason for the wood floor. keeping the weight forward. again because it will hold the screws better than the coosa.

Re: Deck Materials???
 

Blue,
As long as the Coosa coring is pre-drilled, we have no problems getting screws to bite in Coosa... :D

Re: Deck Materials???
 

Couple of issues / problems with pink/blue polystyrene basement insulation board. Polystyrene foam melts with polyester resin and will not even bond well with epoxy. I made a few sample boards and it worked "ok" if you cut it into 6" x 6" squares, but laminate didn't last long when I jumped up and down on it. The core is really too soft . . . 1/2" core cell, pesnske, coosa or marine ply are much much better choices . . . 1/2" marine ply and polyester resin is the least expensive route and arguably the strongest most durable laminate.

Re: Deck Materials???
 

I used a material called penske board. Strong, light and does not absorb water.

Re: Deck Materials???
 

I am using penske board for my whole rebuild. When I put my floor in I am going to go ahead and figure where my ttop and leaning post is going to be mounted. I am going to glass some 1/4" fiberglass panel to the bottom side of floor. The panels will probably be 8"x8" and this will have plenty of strength. I have also seen people glass aluminum pads under the floor and then they drill and tap where the screws are and use stainless bolts instead. Either way it works very good along with a bit of 5200.

Adam

Re: Deck Materials???
 

FYI-It WILL bond with epoxy. I have built plane wings and car wings with blue insulation...it can be crazy strong and ductile. It is main material in Rutan aircraft.