Tell me about my floor

[Craig]

Thinking about new projects for this fall or next spring leads me to my floor in my 34 hunter. I don't really care for the black stains in parts of it and would consider making a change if I can do it myself. I have been working very hard at stopping all leaks and have been keeping the boat dry to prevent some of the problems that are associated with water infiltration. I looked at that floor and if one wants to replace it, the job looks big because it looks like the floor goes under the setees, galley cabinets etc. That would mean tearing apart the entire cabin to do this. As an alternative could I make a template for each area and lay in some thin teak and holly(plywood) over the existing floor and either screw or glue it in? Don't know what kind of tool to use to clean up the edges(maybe a router) but this seems more practical than taking the boat apart. Anyone ever do this? Thanks

 

[a.w.feith]

34 floor replacement

I just replaced mne this summer. I had to remove everything. THe setees are easy, as they are all screwed in place with backing blocks. I removed the entire gally and chart table. The engine compartment covers were replaced also. The most difficult area is sliding the nw floor panel under the aft cabin door frame. I put a joint in the foor in the doorway to make it easier to install. Be careful taking out the old panels, as you will eed them fo templates. The piece under the dinette has to be cut down to fit through the companionway. I used 3/4 teak and holly plywood and epoxied the back before installing. While everything is out, its a great time to wire, check drainage, ect. Total cost of material for floor only is around $600.00. Good luck.

 

[David C.]

floor

Craig...We had black spots form on the cabin sole of our 34. They are caused by moisture being trapped under the sole and lack of ventilation. If left unattended this will cause rot.We drilled 1/2" holes in the sole in the v-berth, the area between the head and vanity and just aft of the bulkhead between the head and main salon. This allowed air to circulate under the sole. In a few months the dark spots disappeared. We also installed small (2") circular grilled vents in the end of the forward dinette seat and under the vanity sink (just above the sole).The boat somehow got out of the factory with no insulation under the ice box. When loaded with ice, extreme condensation caused the sole in the galley to begin to rot around the aft edge. We cut a hole in the front of the cabinet under the fiberglass box liner and filled it with sprayed in insulation foam. I then took a wood chisel and cut out the entire galley sole as close to the cabinets as possible and replaced it with a teak grating I made from strips available from Boat US or West Marine. We found we liked the grating better than the original since any spills from the galley wound up in the bilge and not a slippery mess under foot.Hope you enjoy your 34 as much as we did. We lived aboard and cruised for nearly five years and 7,500 miles.

 

[Jim Oursler]

Floor refinishing

I just sanded and oiled my floor. Looks like new. I am pretty handy and could have replaced.. but sure is a lot of work. The factory floor is inlaid, so you can get after is with a palm sander and 80-120 grit. Regards,Jim in Dallas