How to Fiberglass a Boat Floor

Naturally, you want your boat to look as good as any of the other projects you’ve invested time, money, and effort in. One rarely ever takes on long-term term projects without giving it their all, and boating is no exception. Just take a look around your home and notice how perfect it is. That’s the kind of perfection you should strive for in your boating venture. To acquire exceptional results in boat building, you have to properly address the tiling, carpeting, and woodwork. All these elements are linked to none other than flooring, which is considered as one of the most crucial parts of watercraft construction.

To get flooring in top shape, you’ll want to ensure that fiberglass is applied correctly.

Out With the Old, In With the New

Fiberglassing starts by removing any damaged section of the boat’s floor. You’ll want to take note of any loose flooring and items as you clear out furniture and clean the living space. Get rid of items that no longer serve a purpose, like old and damaged plywood and other outdated decorations and structures, in preparation for your new floors. When planning your new boat floor don’t forget the place for storing your essentials like a space for your fishing gear. At this point, you’ll also want to clear out your boat’s center console and get the cables out of the way. If it’s tough for you to remember which part goes where, write down all the things you’ve disconnected so that it’s easier for you to reconnect them once everything is done. Keep in mind that this project takes time and is not likely to be done in an hour.

Replace the Boat Stringers

Before installing your new fiberglass floor, you may want to consider replacing faulty stringers. While this isn’t really necessary and is bound to add to the overall duration of the project, there may be no better time to address the issue than when you’re already dealing with the flooring.

Install New Floors

Once the old and damaged floors have been removed, start making measurements to acquire a sense of all the elements that will be involved in the project. There’s figuring out the deck size and the amount of flooring needed, as well as cutting into supporting segments when necessary. For deck sheet installation, you need to be aware of the cables and connections that must be linked up again once the task is accomplished. Again, this is why it’s important to jot down notes on everything you’ve disconnected.

Apply Fiberglass Matting

As soon as the deck sheets are in position, screw them in place before applying the fiberglass. It is a must to ensure that the matting is properly applied and sealed, which is why you need a high-quality sealant. A water-tight seal means you’ll be able to rely on your flooring for many years to come. All that’s left to do now is get everything back in place. Refer to your “list of connections” when relinking the wires and cables so that you don’t get anything wrong. If there was an issue with a particular connection before the process, make sure it’s no longer a problem this time. Reattach the center console and the seats and clean out the area again.

The Benefits of Fiberglass for Boat Flooring

There are several reasons why fiberglass flooring generally costs more than wood flooring. Let’s discuss some of them.

1. Easy Maintenance

One of the best things about fiberglass is that it’s easy to take care of. Wood, aluminum, and other similar materials will almost always entail regular repainting, sanding, and repairs on your end. Fiberglass does better at withstanding the harsh marine conditions, making the material easier to clean and maintain even in the long run.

2. Lightness

Fiberglass has a lightness to it that’s absent in any other flooring material other than aluminum. Wood, of course, is going to be heavier. Fiberglass also allows the boat to push through the water better than aluminum, which is why it’s a really smart flooring choice. You wouldn’t need as large or as powerful an engine for a fiberglass boat as you would for a wooden one.

3. Clean Lines

Fiberglass is capable of producing extremely smooth flooring. For most, this is better than the utilitarian look of an aluminum floor. It also helps create a simple, modern look to your boat that people, especially your passengers, won’t be able to help but admire.

Conclusion

Aside from being virtually effortless to apply, fiberglass floors are also light, easy to maintain, sleek, and modern. It’s a material you can rely on to build your own boat. It’s also the flooring your boat needs to last, look good, and remain functional for many years. Having said that, flooring choice will ultimately come down to personal preference since, despite the many awesome benefits of fiberglass, people may still prefer wood and aluminum over it. There’s also the material’s heftier price tag, which may cause it to become a budget issue for a lot of boat owners.