New floor question

[runaway101]

I've just installed a new floor in my aluminum boat-- vinyl over 3/4 plywood, do you think it would be a good idea to seal the edges to the boat sides with chaulk or silicone? Any comments would be helpful, thanks.

[jet2go]

That is a good question that I have also been wrestling with. I am leaning towards sealing the sides and seams. Keep any water and fish blood, etc out of the foam.

[runaway101]

Exactly, if sealed everything should wash into the bilge area and out. But of all the boats I've looked at (my style), I haven't seen anyone doing this. I wasn't sure but I know vinyl is hard to adhere to, the other thing was flex, only reasons I could come up with. Just thought someone may have come up with a good solution.

[NORMAFAN]

I would use vulcum (spelling). I used it five years ago to seal the seat boxws to the floor so I could have water tight storage. It works great on just about any surface as long as it is clean. A tip for getting a nice looking joint is to use a popsicle stick or tongue depressor to smooth out the caulk, a trick from work. Just remember to push it to both sides of the joint to adhere and the more you play with it the worse it gets.