I need to make some new floorboards for my sailboat. They need to be light, durable, water resistant, around 3/8 in thick, and fairly inexpensive(Im in college. I like beer. Im poor). Any ideas for a good material to use?
What type of sailboat?
You can buy 1/4 inch plywood, then use epoxy and glass mat. Buy it at Lowes if you want to cut the price. Bondo brand. Use the glass mat, 2 layers both sides. Then, if you can get chopped strand, this is better for sanding fair in case you want to paint it. Use cheap exterior house paint, and just plan on re-painting. You’ll need cheap sandpaper too.
You really need to get a box of gloves, throw-away brushes, and some cheap mixing cups. Empty milk jugs will work. If your surface area isn’t that great, then mixing ratio doesn’t have to be precise. More catalyst (hardener) is better. If it gets too hot, it will start smoking and eat through the bottom of the cup. Its an exothermic reaction. Oh, and wear long sleeve cloths you plan on throwing away. Fiberglass is nasty stuff. I did my first work with it in college as well. Get some free cardboard boxes for work surface, as you’ll throw them away later.
The internet has tons of info on how to work with the stuff.