Thread: Pontoon Decking Question

Josh,

Let me answer you by asking you a question. Would you walk on a roof with 1/2 plywood on it? I can tell you that I myself personally would not do it very often, without knowing exactly where the bracing is at. If you take this into account, I would go with the 3/4 plywood then put multiple coats of a very very good water sealer on it. On the bottom of the plywood, the part facing the water, I would go to an auto parts store like O'Reilly's and get some roll on bed liner. I would run at least three coats of that on the bottom of the wood. This will give it extra protection against the water that will be splashing on it all of the time. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions. We have ran it on the roofs of our rat rods or on the bottoms of some of our truck beds. Great stuff and it doesn't cost you a ton of cash.


If you have the option, I think I would have the batteries in a different location than the gas tank. Just to give myself an extra bit of security against fire, even if it is only in my head.

As far as center console goes. That is my favorite style of boat, so you know the answer on that one. The only question I have for you on that is this; is it going to be a sit and steer or a standing and steer?


Bobo

Josh, 3/4" CDX plywood, 3 coats of urethane and 3 coats of tuff coat, and the decking will outlast the toons IMHO. Center console is a great idea. The fuel tank and batteries don't weigh enough to factor in. Wood is for sure easier to work with. If you need, I have a table saw I'll be more than happy to bring over.

If you choose to use plywood, do NOT coat it with Thompsons sealer! I did this when I revamped my boat and not too long after found out that the outdoor carpet glue would not adhere properly to the Thompsons. I don't know if it would allow another substance to stick or not.