I know this has been discussed a lot but I wanted to post up for someone that might still researching or debating doing the work.
A little history: I bought the boat and most of the deck is solid but this cover was very soft. I had visions of me or one of my family members (big boys) ending up standing on the fuel tank. So I wanted to get it fixed.
Out with the old...
Almost there...
I bought 1 sheet of 3/4" pressure treated plywood. It was less than 1/2 the price of marine grade and my plan was to completely enclose the wood in epoxy so I figured I was safe.
We cut it to fit but there was a bow in the center that we needed to get leveled out. So we cut it into 5 separate pieces and used a router to cut down the sharp edges.
We mixed up the 2 part epoxy and painted the bottom of the ply and put a thick coat onto the cover. Then set the wood in place and stacked about 250 lbs on top and let it sit overnight.
We cut up some glass and mixed it into the epoxy to create what I'm told is sometimes referred to as cat sh!t. That was then stuffed down into the cracks and allowed to cure.
Prepping the glass mat.
Glass mat weted in.
Getting close now...
After a little sanding, buffing and wax and we're ready for installation.
It was a fun project. If I can find the time I would like to do the forward cover with the same treatment.
A little history: I bought the boat and most of the deck is solid but this cover was very soft. I had visions of me or one of my family members (big boys) ending up standing on the fuel tank. So I wanted to get it fixed.
Out with the old...
Almost there...
I bought 1 sheet of 3/4" pressure treated plywood. It was less than 1/2 the price of marine grade and my plan was to completely enclose the wood in epoxy so I figured I was safe.
We cut it to fit but there was a bow in the center that we needed to get leveled out. So we cut it into 5 separate pieces and used a router to cut down the sharp edges.
We mixed up the 2 part epoxy and painted the bottom of the ply and put a thick coat onto the cover. Then set the wood in place and stacked about 250 lbs on top and let it sit overnight.
We cut up some glass and mixed it into the epoxy to create what I'm told is sometimes referred to as cat sh!t. That was then stuffed down into the cracks and allowed to cure.
Prepping the glass mat.
Glass mat weted in.
Getting close now...
After a little sanding, buffing and wax and we're ready for installation.
It was a fun project. If I can find the time I would like to do the forward cover with the same treatment.