Plan for floor on my inflatable boat

[yush_gta]

Tell me what you think of my plan or have any suggestions.


So this is the boat I want to put the floor in:

I was thinking two layers with the top layer being plywood. First layer would be something like pink insulation board, cut into two pieces, one inch thick. This is not only for standing stability but also to cushion the two hinges of the plywood that would be on top.

However, I don't know if that insulation board would start to crack and fall apart, especially when there's two adults on the boat.

So I am also considering floor mat material like this, which is 7/8 inch thick:

This would provide more flexibility and wouldn't crack.




Then I would put down 3/4 inch plywood on top. The plywood would also be cut in half but then it would be hinged with two hinges from the bottom. It would also be well sanded on the edges and then carpeted (like Fishergirl's floor) before the hinges are put on. Someone told me 3/4 inch might be too heavy and not necessary if I have something underneath so maybe 1/2 inch?


And of course I'd have to cut out the space where the little inflation valve is on the floor.

 

[tcp]

I have a simlar inflatable, I used some plywood with a piano hinge so it can fold in half for transport and storage , sanded the edges of the plywood round. works great

 

[TRINIBOY]

Talk to fishergirl she did hers last summer and it turned out looking great. FYI I believe she also has the same boat.

 

[TRINIBOY]

Dupe

 

[staffman]

I believe FG posted some pictures of her inflatable and described how she made the floor.

 

[yush_gta]

Ya pm'd her. I asked her about the carpeting in particular.

 

[Default_User]

I have the same inflatable

Hoping to get a hard floor (or at least raised seating)

Lots of YouTube vids on customizing them

 

[rybak]

I don't have this exact inflatable, but I do own a Zodiac Fish 'n Hunt inflatable with a removable floor. Here's someone showing the steps on how Zodiac approached a solid board system for their inflatables: http://inflatableboatworks.com/?p=2193

 

[Default_User]

Slightly off topic - but can anyone recommend any good spots to take an inflatable out in Durham?

 

[yush_gta]

Finished most of my floor.

- got 1/2 inch plywood for $20 cut into 2 pieces
- bro in law cut and sanded down to shape for me
- 3M 77 super adhesive for $14 x 2
- used that glue to secure the indoor/outdoor carpet, which was $25
- treated the plywood first with thompson water seal for $12
- got 1 inch electrical conduit piping made out of pvc. got 3 lengths of 10 feet each. store cut them at the specified lengths. used them to put in the grooves of the floor so when the ply is on top, it's even more stable.
- decided not to hinge them together yet. this will involve 3 door hinges, drilling holes, finding the correct length bolts and then securing them with nuts and washers
- as for seat, i got foldable stool from CT on sale for $6

Feels good to stand up when I want to when casting into pads, cover and structure.

 

[Shawarma]

Pictures, man! Post them pictures!

Sounds like a solid base though.