Master Angler Deck Replacement

Bigshrimpin · #1 02-13-2006, 03:52 PM

Drainage - My 1976 MA drains go straight down through the floor (like the SF) . . . My feet will get wet if stand in the corner and when the plugs are out. I just run with plugs in which is no big deal. I also have a center drain (which looks like it was added later - regular 1" drain hole) in the back channel which drains into the bilge and any water that splashes into the cockpit goes down can drain down into the bilge and get pumped out the automatic bilge pump.

As far as soft spots go . . . I would do spot repairs on the deck and just recore the areas that have gone bad. There's no sense in ripping up the floor that is 90% solid.

Just cut the top skin off with a circular saw (set to less 1/4") replace the rotten core (balsa) . . . clean up the underside of the skin and glass the skin back on the new core.

GradySailfish · #2 02-13-2006, 04:37 PM

I wish I had just spot repairs to make...thats what I thought originally, but thats not the case....more the 10% of the deck is rotten. Secondly if the deck is rotten in one place, something was done wrong somewhere that will eventually cause the remainder of the deck to rot.

I do like the idea of cutting the top layer of skin off, and recoring the balsa.

When you speak of the scuppers, do you mean the scuppers in the corners of the boat which drain through a tube into the stern ball-scupper?

Hearing all this makes me really start considering raising the floor and inch or two.

Thanks for the advice.

TUGBOAT · #3 02-13-2006, 05:55 PM

Generally the decks are rotted near the center console. where they are screwed to the deck. That console goes thru a lot & thats where the water enters. My Ma has the tubes going out of the stearn,each corner.The earlier models had them straight down. Way back when We had an Inventor that came up with a solution to those.Can't remember who it was . But it seemed that it worked? Any Ol' Timers remember this FIX ? When Ya open that Deck You may find a Bou'Cou' more work~~~it always seems to be more.Thats what happened to Me ! Mo $$$$$ too! Worth it all. Just too much down time. No WINTER projects here!
Scream'n reels'
[img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
Tug

Bigshrimpin · #4 02-13-2006, 06:54 PM

Grady since your scupper drain out the back, I'd just get the rabud? ping pong balls scuppers and call it a day . . . for the floor just recore only where it's nesscessary.

GradySailfish · #5 02-13-2006, 08:09 PM

Big Shrimpin...thats what my MA has! it has PVC tubes running from the deck drains to the PING PONG (aka Rabud) scuppers out from the transom.

Do this mean my problems are aliviated?

The decks is ultra soft in the area around the console, and most of it is rotten in the casting area right around in front of the console and between where the deck is "raised". I'd say that maybe 35 % of the deck is in poor shape...the area around the stern and behind the console is fine.

I'd like to replace the deck, but I'd also like to keep the deck original. I'll see how cutting the laminate off and recoring works out. If it works well, then I'm happy. I just want to make a sound and sure repair.

If you have pics on how you did this I'd appreciate.

Capt. Brad...your're right Winter is a great time for us northerners to get stuff done around our boats. We do however fish in the winter. Some of the best fishing actually takes place during these colder months. I think the worst fishing is during the ultra hot months of Jult and August.

Bigshrimpin · #6 02-13-2006, 09:59 PM

You've got the best setup for the MA with the drains out the back and the rabuds. You're feet are safe [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Recoring . . . here's a good thread.
http://forum.classicseacraft.com/sho...b=5&o=&fpart=1