I hope this is the correct section if not hopefully the moderator can move it. So I decided to refinish my casting platform. Had the thing sandblasted then sprayed it with 2K Raptor Liner from a can. I think it turned out great, but this afternoon I went out in the garage to reattach the deck and someone who shall remain nameless threw the deck away when she cleaned the garage……
So now I have to make a new deck. Can anyone suggest core material and a which specific fiberglass fabrics I should get. Epoxy vs poly etc (I was thinking epoxy). I have some fiberglass repair knowledge, enough to be dangerous, but no idea about where to start.
Just judging from the pic, it doesn’t appear that your old top had much thickness to it. Do you happen to remember roughly how thick the old top was by chance?
You can go aluminum with a marine Matt, Starboard, or do a layup.
Personally I’d go the Aluminum route. @JCDesigns have a good recommendation on the layup schedule, just use whichever resin you’re comfortable with.
I hadn’t thought about aluminum. What thickness do you all think 1/4 in? I just don’t want to feel it flex when I’m standing on it. I’m a svelte 230lb…….
Normally I’d just go no more than 1/8” but at 230..1/4” might be a better option.
I’ve got 1/8” on my rear platform with one center brace, and it holds me fine @ 195lb but there is a slight bit of deflection. 1/4” would be like concrete.
I believe I did 3/8 starboard-style composite material for the last platform top that I made for a previous skiff. I covered it in EVA foam. Mine had a similar brace structure underneath it to yours. Never had any problems with flexing, but I also only weigh 160 pounds!
