"Don Hellen" wrote in message
...
I will be re-decking a pontoon boat early next year and have
some questions for those who have done it successfully
before.

I plan to use either treated plywood or laminated fiberglass
panels (like what they use on the sides of semi-trailers).
Marine plywood is too costly, and this boat will never (as
long as I have it) be subjected to faster than a couple of
miles per hour speed on a private lake with no current. I
will cover whatever panels I use with marine carpet, unless
there is a suitable alternative.

Which type panels would be better?

Also, some tips on removing the existing hardware, carpet,
and screws would be appreciated.

Third, what type of screws should I use?

As for the screws, since they will be covered with carpet
adhesive or sealer of some sort, I don't see the need for
stainless screws through the wood and cross supports, but I
may be missing something.

Any other tips would be appreciated.

Don
To reply, substitute "firstnamelastname" with
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No need for marine ply. The structural requirements are nil. As to
stainless screws, if you buy by the large quantity, the cost is not much
difference than galvanized. Buy in the 1000 quantity from a bolt supplier.
Always buy a box of 100 if you need 60 screws/bolts. Is about equal cost.
I would not use treated ply, unless I was covering with vinyl (nautilex,
etc) as the chemicals can leach through carpet. Cedar is good in damp
environments, as long as it is not touching the ground.
Bill

In fresh water I would say any good quality exterior grade plywood will be
fine. Seal the top, let the bottom breathe.

in salt water, we have been running one of our pontoon boats comercially since
1988, and had no rot!

Sal****er prevents dry rot.

fwiw

Sterling