Wood Floor?

[Echo Gulf]

I'm fed up with soggy carpeting and ugly fibreglass flooring! I would like to install some hardwood, but I'm unsure how to proceed. I would appreciatte any info on "how to" and sources of supplys.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Check the Archives

There should be some articles in the archives on this. If not for the C-27, then for the C-30. The biggest drawback is the loss of headroom since you'll have to shim the floor so you can fit the wood to it. Without shimming, the floor is a compound curve and you can't bend plywood into a compound curve (curving in more than one direction). I'm assuming that you'll be using the plywood teak and holly flooring used in most production boats, including Catalinas. I'd check with a local boat builder for suppliers, or check out Wooden Boat magazine or their website.

 

[Echo Gulf]

No Plywood

Thanks Bob, but I should of indicated that I had already discounted using plywood laminates. Since the winters here are very long, I have lots of time to attemp laying a wood strip floor. I suspect this method will overcome the diffaculties brought on by compound curves in the floor. Hopefully someone has had experience with this and can guide me to a suitable adhesive or other method of fastening. E.G.

 

[John J]

Cabin sole

I had a 78 C25 that I had the same issue with. We bought rubber flooring that looked just like hardwood. It came in strips about 2.5" wide and 24" long. I can't remember where we got it, but ask some of the flooring companies. We applied with adhesive, and it was still in good shape when we sold the boat 4 years ago. It was not slippery, cleaned easily and looked pretty good.

 

[Ron Betso]

Teak & Holly Sole

I put down a teak & holly sole on my Cat 30. I used 1/4" teak & holly plywood which bended easily to the curves of my cabin sole it was glued with contractors glue and srewed down like Catalina does. Make sure however that you seal the bottom of the flooring otherwise moisture will come up and stain the top. Good Luck.