Feelin Froggy Loc: Santee, CA

Going to start building a floor and casting deck as well as a small deck on the bow for a bow mount trolling motor for my 12’ Grumman. Planning to use all aluminum framing to help keep the weight in check but not sure if I am going to use 1/2” or 3/4” plywood. Also not sure if I am going to be able to find marine grade or what would be acceptable for long lasting flooring. Plan on sealing the wood as well as outdoor carpet. Looking forward to any input from anyone who has the experience and has done one themselves. Been watching a LOT of YouTube as I am an honor graduate from that university but I am open to all input. Thanks.

D Tong Loc: San Francisco,Ca

It might be a little expensive but a lot of the marine woods are teek wood for it ability to withstand water damage good luck on your project

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

I used regular plywood but I painted to on both sides with floor paint, then covered the top of the deck part with ice and water barrier for roofing, then covered in carpet.

If you can buy 4’x8’ sheets of the 3/4” pvc board near you I’d use that instead. Plenty strong, lighter then marine plywood and 100% water proof. Built mine at height of Covid construction materials shortage and I couldn’t find sheets of the material. It’s available again here now.

Fishandrods Loc: Alpine Ca foothills of San Diego

Hey froggy, I lived in Santee back in 68 thru 71 and now in scenic Alpine for 43 years. I have a 15’smoker craft alum boat that I’ve had for 10 years, and when I got it I made a deck in front and floor boards out of 1/2 CDX plywood and sealed it with 2 coats of exterior sealer and the covered it with indoor outdoor carpeting from Home Depot I’ve changed the carpet once about 2 years ago it was just worn from our shoes not from any moisture. I made some tapered runners for the floor to make the plywood sit level. I left the floors unattached so I could remove them to clean them off. I made a elevated stand for the front deck for my swivel chair, and I can use my front mounted trolling motor from there. Larry W.

Feelin Froggy Loc: Santee, CA

I saw a guy using that same stuff in one of the YouTube videos and I like the idea so I will make an attempt to find some. Thanks.

MoJoe Loc: Springfield, MO

Home Depot has some deck coating I used several years ago over plywood flooring as well as a deck in front of my 14' Mirrocraft. Lay it on thick, several coats. Works well.

Feelin Froggy Loc: Santee, CA

Sounds a lot like what I am aiming to do. It looks like I will be using CDX because I cannot find PVC panels. I installed two float pods in November adding about 150lbs additional floatation capacity so that should help with some if the additional weight that I am going to have. We will see. I plan on having it ready by April or so to be ready for the summer. Do you fish any of the local lakes? I usually fish Jennings but have been to San Vicente (no luck at all there) and to El Cap which I did catch a couple of nice bass in December.

Fishandrods Loc: Alpine Ca foothills of San Diego

I fished El Cap a lot back in the 90s and early 2000s and did well on bass. Now I only fish the South Bay Area launching at Pepper park, I only catch and release mostly spotted bay bass but also halibut, croaker, shortfin corvina, bonefish, mackerel, and other species. I fish plastics only but have in the past used squid and mackerel mostly catching dogfish, bay rays, mackerel and others. Have never been skunked in the bay, worst day there was 9 fish by myself and best day for 2 of us was 176 mostly spotties. If you’re interested in trying the bay PM me and I’ll tell you what to use and where and how to catch them with good numbers. Or if you want I can take you out on my boat sometime. Larry W.

Feelin Froggy Loc: Santee, CA

Sounds fun. With my boat I will stick with fresh water only. I have only been boating for a few months now and that car topper isn’t very fun if it starts getting really choppy or with large boat wakes, at least at this point in my experience. One day, closer to retirement I will likely get a larger boat that will fair better in. Those waters. Maybe we can catch up sometime though.

BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

In response to your question, I built my decks completely from Wood because I did not have the expertise to work with aluminum. I used 2X2 for my support structure in my 12 foot Lowe John boat. I will attach photos.

I used 1/2” marine grade plywood that I bought at Menards. The plywood was extremely expensive costing $100 per sheet. I have found a half inch to be plenty strong enough to support my weight, but I only weigh between 160-165 pounds. The front elevated deck makes no noise and does not show any signs of shifting or bowing under my body weight. You can also see that I cut a hole right in the middle of it and installed an access hatch.

I then installed a subfloor between my second and third bench seat and simply laid a piece of half inch plywood directly on top of 1.25” styrofoam. It supports my weight along with that of my grown daughter without any problem. Unless you’re a really big guy, I think you can get by with half inch plywood and save yourself some additional weight as compared to 3/4” plywood.

I sealed all of my wood with a deck paint that I used on my home. I then covered my plywood with EVA camo foam.

I wish you the very best as you build your decks. I’m not very handy with any type of construction so I worked very slowly and just took my time. I know someone else could’ve done a better job but I am extremely satisfied. BeaverTooth

Feelin Froggy Loc: Santee, CA

That looks very good. I am a bit heavier at 220 but I feel that if framed right 1/2” will work for me. I will use aluminum and I am not really worried as built my very larga outdoor kitchen/bar with steel framing which was the first time using that material. Going to be a lot of fun doing this. I totally refurbished this boat and trailer last year and for a first timer I am pretty pleased and get a lot of compliments for it. I am certainly going ro consider some of your suggestions though. Thanks.

seatrout Loc: Florida in winter PA in summer

If your going to put fiberglass on it do not use PT

seatrout

EdwardL Loc: Tenino Wa.

Hello Froggy 🐸
Great minds think alike. I have a 14ft North Wood it has a floor already but i bought a trolling motor bow mount with foot control but i need to build a deck big enough to mount it
My main motor is a electric start 9.9
mercury and a hand control trolling motor in the stern. I’m going to use 3/4 plywood for the bow deck it’s just for the motor I’ll stain and poly coat it. Not sure if it helped but know your not alone

Anybass Loc: Pa.

Don't sell yourself short BT. You did a fine job and nothing wrong with incorporating patience in your life.

EdwardL Loc: Tenino Wa.

Hey that boat looks great looks like you knew what you were doing. Great job 👏