DIY Cockpit Floor Deck

S

shad

Member
For those of us with older boats that did not come with a factory cockpit floor, I recently built one out of composite deck boards. The removable deck is waterproof and maintenance free, and it has been keeping my feet out of the usual puddle of water that sloshes around. It only took an afternoon to build.

There are some teak and plywood+fiberglass options documented on C-Brats, but I do not recall seeing a solution using composite deck boards. Adding this to the knowledge base...

Supplies:

  • Qty: 5, Deckorators Voyage Surestone 1-in x 6-in x 16-ft Mesa Solid edge Composite Deck board
    Qty: 120'ish, Stainless steel screws.

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Nice work.

However, IME with composite decking, assemblies can be quite heavy compared to the equivalent sized wood lumber. Do you know how much your composite floorboards weigh?

Also, IME composite decking can get quite hot when exposed to sunlight for long periods. If you're in the PNW, this might not be an issue though.
 
ssobol":1rpu2gmg said:
Nice work.

However, IME with composite decking, assemblies can be quite heavy compared to the equivalent sized wood lumber. Do you know how much your composite floorboards weigh?

Also, IME composite decking can get quite hot when exposed to sunlight for long periods. If you're in the PNW, this might not be an issue though.
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The Deckorators material is the lightest decking I could find with the best surface traction. They advertise it weighing 35% less than traditional composite decking, and I just weighed an offcut at 2.15oz/in. I have not weighed the overall deck, but it should be roughly ~100lbs. From my forum research i recall a guesstimate of 80-90lbs for factory platforms, so the composite decking is not too much heavier. Most of the difference will be the extra (optional) section I installed between the fuel tanks.

I am always wearing shoes in the boat here in the PNW, so surface temperature has not been an issue yet. We'll see if that changes in the summer.

Overall, the boat hasn't sunk and still hits 30mph with the deck, a heavy kicker motor, and full fuel tanks. :D
 
Composite is durable and long lasting. Nice work! If in the area of Friday Harbor during the May gathering, stop by. There would be many 22 owners of older boats that would love to check out your new addition. Gary
 
DayBreak":z45b6eq0 said:
Composite is durable and long lasting. Nice work! If in the area of Friday Harbor during the May gathering, stop by. There would be many 22 owners of older boats that would love to check out your new addition. Gary
Click to expand...

I should be there!

--Shad
 
....Shad, so sorry. I just realized that you are on the list for coming to the event. Perfect, we will have plenty of time to spend with you and to view the new decking. Thanks. See you in May. Gary
 
My boat has the factory flat floor, but years ago I did make a piece that goes between the fuel tanks and is level with the factory part. It is made of composite decking.

I left slight gaps between the deck slats to allow for free flow of water. Allows be to put stuff between the tanks without them sitting in the water that can collect back there.
 
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