In between tropical storms, hurricane watches and the frickin' feels like 105 temp. I got the floor project under control.
After serious consideration of all types of materials, I decided on the following.
The tank coffin floor would be "plascore"(divincell) with a layer of 1708 on top and bottom. Weight factor is 15# versus 31# for the old floor. Plus this is the part of the floor you will never see again so no rot is good.
On the cock pit floor I am using 1/2 inch marine ply...1708 top and bottom. I stayed with wood on this part since the old floor lasted 40 years and was in decent shape. The floor grid and bulk heads where spruce. Again the old wood was in great shape. I would not of replaced it, except there where spots where water intrusion rotted the wood because of excess drilling of holes...that were not sealed.
The old gas tank was 33 years old and in excellent shape. However it was a bastard size. To low and to long. The previous owner cut the mid bulk head out to use this tank. I had Tony from Sunrise Tanks, in Venice Fl. (this guy is good and reasonable) cut down my old tank, and then make me a new tank to fit in the original coffin. The old tank is now in a forward area as a extended cruise tank. I should have approx. 80 gals of fuel. The bulk of the fuel will be in the CG point of the boat.
Most of the construction process so far has stayed pretty close to what was done originally. I thought if it lasted this long why change a good thing.
Enclosed are a bunch of pictures. I have used many of the ideas that where posted on this site, and I thank all of you for your sharing.
Getting the floors all tied together will be the next step.
The tank floor and keel...Plascore 1/2 inch
Before Painting
After Painting and Engine Bulkhead
Floor and bulk head glassed
Floor Grid and bulk heads
Glue and stick
The end result of Glue and stick
I found some retro hatches...one side will be a live well and the other a cooler fish box.
More glue and stick for engine area
It really works well..Trial fit
Old floor for measurements
End result
Engine coffin front and storage areas painted with tile clad
Old tank
Both Tanks Trial Fit
Wire Run
That is it from the Island...
