Thickness of the bow deck

Gene&Mary · Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2015 7:38 pm Post subject: Thickness of the bow deck

Does anyone know the thickness of the deck at the bow?

thanks

thataway · Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2015 8:24 pm Post subject:

Between 3/4 and 1 inch. The balsa core is consistent, but the glass over lay/under lay can vary. Also the "non skid" can add a bit of depth.

Mike_J · Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 7:22 pm Post subject:

When drilling through the deck (I am installing a bow ladder as per the photos in Sea Wolf's thread) in the area where the non skid is. Should I bed the bracket with 3M 4200 or something?

RichardM · Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 8:40 pm Post subject:

Absolutely. People use butyl tape, 3M 5200, and Life-Caulk for this. Don't use silicone, which isn't up to the job.

Unless the bolts and bracket are bedded, water will get in between them and the deck and cause rotting of the deck core and probably leaks into the cabin below.

Mike_J · Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 9:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks. I was planning on bedding the bracket and then making sure that the bolts were well-gooped. Planning on having a fender washer and nylock nut on each bolt in the cabin.

thataway · Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 10:11 pm Post subject:

I advise overdriving any hole in the foredeck and route out any core, by a few 8ths of an inch, with Dremel tool, and then fill with thickened epoxy. Redrill the holes. With the non skid on the deck, you will have difficulty getting a really good seal. When you have these holes prepared, then use 4000. If the screws/bolts for the butyl tape become loose, there will be dirt and water under the tape. (can = leak).
Just "Gooping the bolt, will not prevent the intrusion of water. Do it right.

A fender washer or backing plate is excellent. If there is some bedding compound or loctite will keep the bolt from backing off, and I feel that is a better solution than the most expensive nylox nut.

ssobol · Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2017 5:43 am Post subject:

While you are over drilling the holes, use the dremel tool to grind down the non skid surface so it is smooth. Mark the shape/size of whatever will touch the deck and then smooth out the surface.

Another option is to mark the mating area and fill the non skid with some thickened epoxy to smooth it out. You might be able to made a dam with the butyl tape (I haven't ever tried this, just an idea).

localboy · Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2017 11:49 am Post subject: