20 CC Deck Rebuild

[EP]

I am replacing the deck on my 71 20' and cut it out today. The stringers are in great shape but I wasn't sure if I needed to dig all of the foam out under the deck. Someone said to but I wasn't sure. The center part is all clean where I am going to put the tank in. The foam isn't too waterlogged. Also any other ideas/considerations you can think of while I am at this stage would be great. Thanks Eric

[Mark]

build stringers up enough to raise floor several inches?

[Serenity]

I agree on raising the deck (for a flush deck).On my 20 cutty that I just sold, I had an insulated fish box made flush to the floor that drained straight down using treaded plugs. It was located in the center between two fuel tanks. Its easy to clean fishbox and boat and no water is in hull area as everything is sealed. Might also consider painting the tank and also fiberglassing any exposed wood (if used) under deck and deck itself. Good luck on your project.

[EP]

So i am still unsure if i should dig all that foam out? What do ya guys think?

[JohnS]

Well, you said, "The foam isn't too waterlogged". Personally, if it has water in it, get rid of it. Digging it out is a messy job but, do you really want to leave moisture in there? I would not but, hey, up to you. If you have the floor out, why not do the job right so you won't ever have to do it again?

John [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[EP]

Doesn't the foam provide some floattation if the boat was to fill with water. Am I taking a safety precation away by digging the foam out?