Expert: Martyn Fryer - 3/9/2009

Question
I bought a 1994 Bayliner 1750 Capri last year and did not notice that the floor was weak. Within in four weeks we had taked that boat out for about 30 times. With all the water and weight being put on the floor it was very noticeable. So now I want to repair the flooring but the furthest I hav gotten is taking the seats out. I need to know what type of marine plywood to use, such as; the thickness and the best way to rip out the old and put back in the new? I will be easy to pull it out, but how do you cut it to fit?

Answer
Hi Jason
  Marine plywood is standard but the thickness I would recommend is 3/4 or 18mm but it is always worth giving a coat of varnish to seal with a small amount of sand mixed in on the top side for grip, to  cut the ply to fit first make a template using card or similar & scribe bit by bit to match the contour's or if possible use the old as a pattern check the bearers underneath for damage & if needbe either reenforce or replace once fitted seal any joints with sealant to prevent any further water penetration
Hope this has been a help

Thanks
Martyn