new BassTracker front deck

[mikie]

Howdy. I'm new at this forum, so please excuse me if I'm asking something that's been answered much before:
Well, winter time is upon us and a project that I've been putting off is now looming.
I have my dad's old 1978 16 ft. Basstracker, and the front deck is getting pretty soft under the seat pedestal. So, before I go 'head over heels' during a catch (or, more likely, a cast), I'm going to try to replace it. I contacted Tracker and there are no readily available sketches of the underside support structure. So I guess my first job is to remove the old deck and see what's under there. The deck is approx. 4x6 ft.

I've been advised to use 5/8 or 3/4 exterior plywood, and coat it with an epoxy resin on both sides. I'll use stainless screws and dollop some epoxy into the pre-drilled holes before screwing. I'll need to see what supports are under there, what shape they are in, and what needs replaced; I also want ot build a support box around my new location for the pedistal seat. Finally, glue and carpet with outdoor carpet.

That's as much of my plan as I have together right now, so any suggestions, additions are certainly welcome at this point. Thanks so much. m

[mikie]

Also, I got a suggestion to cut the plywood a bit (1/8") short and wrap the carpet around to anchor it better. I'm concerned that may interfere with screwing the plywood to the stringers and possibly creating a pathway for water to enter. Thoughts? m

[ProcraftMike]

You are on the right track. Exterior plywood is fine, just seal it good, preferably with epoxy resin. Two (2) coats seems to work good. I have had great luck with the epoxy resin from U.S. Composites.

I would not wrap the carpet for the reason you stated. I wrapped the carpet on a couple of plywood lids that I added to the front of my boat. If the boat gets wet, the water seems to follow the carpet around and under the lid. Instead, seal all the seams up when you install the deck, to keep the water out. You can always anchor the carpet in a few spots with the screws that have the fancy washer on them. My boat has this on the deck, in the corners. They are hard to see with the carpet nap.

Keep us posted!!!

[mikie]

Thanks. I tore the old carpet out last night, it was never glued just riveted to the wood. I'll prolly need to find a carpet glue that is made for exterior applications. Tonight I need to cut the heads off the rivets that hold the wood deck down, someone suggested I photograph what's underneath for future reference - not a bad idea.
Do you know what temp range to use for painting the epoxy on? It's starting to get cold - finally - in Ohio, I may need to do this in a heated garage? thanks so much, m

[bassman6805]

I redid the deck on my old bass tracker a few years ago before I sold it. I used the same template for the fron piece that the seat mounts to. There was a strorage area underneath. I extended the rest of the deck until it was flush with the console. The deck set in a grove in the aluminum then I screwed it all down. The part that was extended on back was all storage underneath. I cut a piece of angle iron to run from one side to the other for support. I worked out nicely. If you give me your email I can send you some pics this evening when I get home.

[mikie]

I.M. sent, thanks for the offer. m

[ProcraftMike]

The best temperature for the epoxy resin is probably above 70 degrees F. You can use it in colder temps. but it will take longer to dry.

As far as carpet glue, I ended up buying some Roberts indoor/outdoor carpet glue from Home Depot. I believe it was the Roberts 6700, or something like that. I used this glue for the decks of the boat. I used contact cement for the lids, because on my boat the carpet wraps around the lids. The contact cement is an instant bond, so it would adhere right away, vs. the carpet glue takes time to set up. It also helps to use some clothes pins to hold the carpet around the lids until it dries.

Make sure you have some good ventilation for the fumes you will be dealing with.

[mikie]

Whew, I'm finally done. I ended up using treated 1/2 inch plywood and a treated 2x4 and a 2x8, then 2.x2's and came up with a respectable looking restoration. I did cheat and hired out the carpet laying. I've turned an old bass boat into a muskie stalking craft with an attitude.

Since I have no idea how to properly post photos, here's a link to one of my fav muskie sites where I posted some pics. Thanks, guys, for your help on this! m

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.co...art=1

[Ritchie]

Great work!! Looks like you're loaded and ready to go!

[racefan]

Photos are your good work

[mikie]

I got quite a bit of help from Tom at The Boat Shop in Marietta, Ohio, he supplied the carpet and marine carpet glue, hinges and the like. The photos Bassman sent me were an inspiration and got me on the right track.

My wife likes to watch the Soap Channel between 7-8 eaach night, so those were my working hours in the boat garage. A couple heaters, potable cd player, a Jimmy Buffett album and some determination got me through the job and a nasty winter, too. Now, all I need is the water to go down and clear up a bit and we're ready to rock & roll! m