DRIFT BOAT FLOORING

Catch 22 · 11-19-2001, 06:23 PM

My 16' Koffler has seen many years and had been stored outside in the weather far far too long. I have replaced the bottom coat, the front seats, rower's seat, new rod holders and anchor system. Bruce Koffler was nice enough to give me some new decals for when I get to repainting it. However, I am now in the process of replacing the flooring. I have cut and fastened all the wood. The boat had outdoor carpeting in it when I got it. However, it seemed to trap dirt in. I was wondering if anyone has tried other methods of floor covering. I am also thinking of the stuff they put on decks and patios that has the grit mixed in that I would roll on. Anyone tried this? I'm running out of time before the winter run requires this boat to be in the water. Who has the solution??

dosaraan · 11-19-2001, 10:14 PM

The product your referring to is called deco-flex and is an excellent floor covering. They sell do it yourself kits at parr lumber.It is also verry expensive when covering small areas.I believe the smallest kit runs about 200 dollars. They have manuals and tapes on applications. The product is super durable and is worth it if you dont mind the cost. It takes at least a week to do 3 coats and you want to make sure your ply is dry. I have a 30 year old boat and know how much work that goes into keeping these boats afloat. What ever you do,dont use carpet It can cause more moisture and rot to any thing it touches. Good luck,Don :tongue:

Seefood Man · 11-20-2001, 05:15 AM

Hi Catch 22. When I did my boat,I used exterior grade 1/2 inch plywood, and after cutting it out I used a good exterior polyurithane (sp ?) on both sides. After I installed the floor boards, I got some of that 3 inch vinyl stair tape and placed it the points of ware. It worked great and look great. The trick with the tape; is get in the right place the first time. If you lift it to move it that strip is done for. Hope this helps

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I've never caught a "Trash Fish" :smile:

[ 11-20-2001: Message edited by: Pete G ]</p>

Master Baiter · 11-20-2001, 06:04 AM

We just did one using the do-it-yourself bedliner (roll-on stuff). It has not been in the water yet but it looks real good.

MB

Wet_Willy · 11-20-2001, 07:14 AM

C22,
I just did this on my V-hull but I have the same flooring in my drift boat and it is great. Marine floor vinyl. Comes in a roll usually 6' wide and you buy as much as you need per foot. FMS has it for about $6.99 per running foot or you can buy it from Cabelas at $16.99 per 3' running length. Get a good waterproof exterior flooring adhesive and notch trowel it to the wood when the floor boards are out of the boat. Then when they are dry (a day or so) put the floor boards back in the boat and you have a great floor that has traction, won't trap dirt and is easy to clean most anything off of. It is what most manufacturers put on their raised floors as original equipment. It will last a long time and looks good too. You can see it on cabelas web site item #sm-01-0921 or go to FMS.

WW

NAUTI-NOTIONS · 11-20-2001, 12:59 PM

I did my sled with the cabela's flooring, great stuff. I've dropped hvy. stuff, sharp stuff, and its was left undamaged. outstanding traction. when hosing out my boat i'm careful to stay off my knees as it will remove skin like sandpaper.
totally recomended,

Scrambler · 11-20-2001, 06:30 PM

C22,

Here is a link to the best DIY coating that I have found. Works great on boats, jeeps, & PU beds.http://www.nonslipcoating.com/

Tilla · 11-20-2001, 06:44 PM

You might call Thorbuilt boats in Toledo Wa. They have a paint on coating that is tough and slip proof. It goes on thier floors and provides a great surface.

Mofish · 11-21-2001, 06:10 AM

I had some friend put a new floor in a sled they took the wood to Arma lining and had it spray. I have fished in it and it is very nice.

Mofish