replacing rotting teak decking with fiberglass?

[Michael ray]

Hey guys, ok the last post I put up I gained a lot of knowledge. I am hoping that this more complicated question can be answered by those who have experience as well.

My question is this, "Can you replace teak decking (that is very soft and spongy) that is in the cabin area while the boat is in the water?" I am looking to go with the feel of a Catalina for all of my major repairs/renovations. I'm not a huge fan of teak unless its for decretive/small functional use as in towel hangers, trim, etc. not for flooring in my eyes.

I am asking because, one it obviously needs to be addressed before any other work is done but also the boat does not have a trailer, I don't now if they make trailers for this size boat with the amount of keel it has (5'6"). I do not know what shape the stringers are in but my understanding from what it appears when I lift the bilge cover up, is that the stringers appear to be fiberglass? or is this just the lip support? The bilge also seems to run the entire length of the boat where water can run down from bow to stern through a series of holes in the stringers.

I am planning to start this repair after my haul out in the middle of October in Florida. Not sure if the sudden change in weather will effect the fiberglass or not. in your reply I would greatly appreciate pictures if possible but just wording will be appreciated as well as I am staring into a dark tunnel with no light in sight. worried about this daunting project I have set before me.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

My question is this, "Can you replace teak decking (that is very soft and spongy) that is in the cabin area while the boat is in the water?"

Before everyone embarks on trying to suggest alternatives, it might be good to more precisely define what you mean by " cabin area".
Are you referring to the cabin sole or the cockpit sole?
Similarly, are you referring to teak layered on glass or structural teak?

 

[Michael ray]

cabin area meaning the flooring inside the boat where your head, galley, salon, and berths are located. The covered livable area of the boat.

 

[Caboteur]

This is not teak: it is assuredly a teak veneer over plywood. It should have no structural function. It may be replaced by a plethora of materials... As you remove the present sole, conserve it to be used as a template for the new one. This is one of the not very difficult projects. It may be done in the water or out.
Been there, done that.
Pierre

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Probably best to do it in the water to ensure the hull doesn't deform while on stands.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

agre

This is not teak: it is assuredly a teak veneer over plywood. It should have no structural function. It may be replaced by a plethora of materials... As you remove the present sole, conserve it to be used as a template for the new one. This is one of the not very difficult projects. It may be done in the water or out.
Been there, done that.
Pierre

Agree. It's likely plywood with a teak veneer. I have worked on, built and rebuilt boats since the mid 70's and I have never seen interior teak rot

 

[SFS]

Michael, there are lots of threads here about replacing soles (floors), including one that I started and is (relatively) current. I hope to finish the project this weekend, and will update the thread. Tropical Depression #9 may have some say in that though.

http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/replacement-of-soles-in-a-1983-h31.180828/

 

[Calif. Ted]

While waiting for a $300 piece of teak and holly veneer to be delivered I made up some "temporary" panels out of pre-finished engineered oak flooring I had on hand. They are tough as nails and I like them enough that the expensive plywood is still languishing in the basement.
The teak and holly ply is:
Expensive -see above, Photosensitive - the teak lightens and the holly goes dark, look under your table pedestal, the wood colors have reversed, and the veneer is thin as paper.
My bilge covers in photos are original teak and holly, you can see the holly is now dark.