Dinghy Repair

[Nereussailor]

I've got an old Achillies inflatable that I inhereted back in the 90's . It's in good shape and has served me well over the years.I replaced the transom about 8 years ago and it has held up well. One of the plywood floor boards is falling apart from being old and wet. They've been varnished to prevent moisture from getting in the plywood but it still has rotted. Is there some product besides plywood that I can use to replace the board that won't cost a fortune? If plywood is my only answer, what kind should I replace it with?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[rpwillia]

PVC Board

It is light and easy to work with. We replaced the fascia boards on the house with it.

 

[Tricia]

I made new ones....

.... from Okoume plywood, coated in 3 (I think) coats of epoxy, then System 3 primer and LPU topcoat. It was a bit time and effort intense, but worked well.

 

[Ted]

I don't think that PVC boards would be a suitable material because it has virtual no structural value. If you have an inflatable keel on your Achilles, the PVC will deflect and not provide the resistance necessary to create a "V" shape in the bottom of your boat.

 

[Chief RA]

Ray said PVC board, I agree! Chief

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

And the plywood floors lasted how long?

I'd go epoxy coated, then painted, plywood again

 

[jimg]

Plywood is inexpensive, readily available, easy to work with, and last for years with minimal maintenance. It's your boat of course, but I would just use what was used in the first place, for all of the above reasons.