20 foot seacraft deck

[lelandtampa]

I am rebuilding a 20' seacraft and have cut the floor out and plan on using 3/4" marine ply with epoxy and glass on both sides. I will raise the stringers about 2" to help with self bailing but my question is this: what glass do I need to layup on both sides to provide protection for the ply but not add excessive weight and cost? I am thinking 1 layer of 1708 on the bottom of ply then tab floor to hull with 12" wide 1708 tape with supporting cleats at hull side then 2 layers of 1708 on topof deck. Let me know if this is overkill or not enough. Widest span from port to starboard will be about 15 inches un supported.

[Fuzz]

For a deck I would use 3/4 nidacore with the layup you have planned. Cost will not be much more but it will be much lighter.

[cape man]

...or 1/2 inch Okume with 12 ounce cloth on top and just sealed with epoxy below... Sitting on the stringers and supported on the sides that deck won't flex at all. The cloth on top will protect it from dings, and 3 coats of epoxy below will seal it completely.

[lelandtampa]

Not so quick question. What is the best way of determining the new deck level along the sides of the boat? Port stringer is 3/8" to 1/2" lower in places than starboard. Boat is level on trailer. I cannot simply measure up from the chine since the glass on the hull differs in height by 3/8" a long the way and differs by 1/2 from port and starboard? Any tips? I have a straight 2x4 ripped to my finished deck height should I just level that up across stringers and make a mark on gunnel? I need an accurate line along gunnel to set my cleats for the edge of the deck.

[BrianC]

What is the best way of determining the new deck level along the sides of the boat?

Get a long enough clear plastic tube, partially fill with colored water, run it across on the inside of the hull. If the boat is level, the water levels on each side will give you a level point on each side of the hull.

[lelandtampa]

Thanks I completely forgot about a water level.

[Jeff]

lelandtampa, Welcome to the Builders Forum!! As you have already seen, you will get good support here with your project!! Please photo/film your project so we can follow your progress!! Again, welcome, Jeff

[lelandtampa]

Thanks I completely forgot about a water level.

[lelandtampa]

water level worked like a charm.

[lelandtampa]

It is nearing time to raise and cap my stringers with foam and glass. I plan on 3 layers of 1708 with epoxy over the foam. Question is how to over lap my layers?. Should I go 4" down the side then 6 then 8 or 8 then 6 then 4? These are the large foam filled stringers.