How would you bed deck to stringers in preparation for glass (deck already installed)

[Enyar]

My boat appears to have a partially floating deck that is only tied into the stringers in certain areas. I'd like to fully close it in in areas that I can reach to really beef up strength/minimize water intrusion. My console is glassed to the deck and the T-Top is bolted to the top of the console. I think this is a bit of a design flaw and it puts extra stress on the deck that's not supported underneath.

I'd like to fill it with a thick mix of resin, then go back an run a filet / cover with glass. I just don't know how feasible that is working upside down/in tight quarter.

Could I fill with a bead of plexus to act as like a backer rod and then try to run filets?


Sorry for the horrible picture.

[Vezo, Part II]

Not sure I have a photo or not, during my 1979 MA refurb we discovered my deck forward of console, but not the forward casting platform, had been soft since my purchase in 1996. Unfortunately, we did not make an inspection hole, but instead used a circular saw to cut a large rectangle between stringers running forward. No rot whatsoever. Similar to your problem, the stringer height diminished going forward, leaving a “floating deck”. Hatch I had pre-purchased was too large, and building the box below became expensive quickly. So we added support on four sides of new opening, reused the section of floor, secured and replaced. Expensive learning step.

Vezo, Part II

[castnetcracker]

well it sounds like you wont be flipping your hull so they way im doing it wont work for you. while the hull is upside down i will be working those gaps so i will be right side up with my head in the hatch (if that makes sense). you could use a baker bag (looks like frosting bag for a cake) and backer rod.

[JohnC]

I don't know how to do what you need but I just read your last post and had a thought. You will be working with epoxy (I'm guessing) close to your face inside the bilge with very little air circulation. Epoxy doesn't smell too much but it does outgas hazardous fumes when it's still wet - don't let the lack of smell fool you! Be sure to wear a good respirator and of you have the ability to put an clean air hose in there that would help. Be safe and post pics!

[Enyar]

Will do! Shop vac and blower will be hard at work, especially when grinding glass.