Happy Bob and others, Alum. boat floor ideas?

General Boats and Motors
1

Hey guys,
I’m setting up a new to me aluminum semi-v for gigging/fishing and she needs a new floor. A two foot strip down the center is adequate but I’m looking for non plywood options. No aluminum plate at the scrap yard last week. Anyone used King Starboard XL or Starlite XL, or CoosaBoard? If so, anywhere in Columbia that sells it? I remember seeing Happy Bob selling a tricked out 14’ Alumacraft a few years ago and was impressed with his rigging. Any thoughts?

2

Call Travis at Piedmont plastics in Col. they stock all colors and sizes but sell only in full sheets easy pick up. tell him you met him in Costa Rica at Pescidories bar in Quopos

3

For starboard in Columbia, try Sabic Polymershapes at 2300 Shop Rd. (next to Sea Hunt Boats) 803-254-0550. They have a wide variety of starboards and other poly type board & plastics. Unfortunatly, they usually only sell full sheets, 54" X 96". Very rarely will they sell half sheets or smaller. Prices are reasonable though, especially when you compare them to what West Marine charges.
I have a sheet of 1/8" aluminum diamond plate, approx. 48" X 78", if you’re interested in that. I can cut it to size for you. I’ll sell it for what I paid for it, no mark up.
Thanks for the compliment on my ex boat.

Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069

4

Thanks for the info guys. I’m definitely interested in the aluminum, Bob. Maybe pick your brain a little on what may work best as well. The Starboard is still an option for some other parts of the new rig. I’ll post up when I get her rigged.

5

Just a thanks to Bob for the aluminum plate. Also, Travis wasn’t in when I called but I’ll be call for some starboard again soon. I look for to checking his Costa Rica memory.

6

I used 1/4 inch treated plywood.I re treated it with waterproofing and wrapped it in glued green carpet outdoor stuff.lasted 8 years and still looked good when i sold the boat.Made it a lot quieter also.I also laid some foam blocks under the wood.

Stonoman

7

If you are going to use plywood I would highly recommend marine grade plywood. Treated plywood is good but it is just regular plywood that has been treated. Regular plywood, so therefore treated plywood, has voids in the inner layers. These voids amount to pockets that if water ever gets to will rot the board from the inside out. Marine grade plywood has no voids so no pockets to hold water.
Mr Hardware

8

Thanks guys. I scored some aluminum from Happy Bob that should work perfectly.