Re: [Paddlewise] Deck Reinforcing

 Evan Dallas wrote


>(a)  lay down a few layers of fiberglass cloth and resin on the underside
>to reinforce it, then mount like before (any recommendations for how many
>layers would be appropriate for this option?);

>(b)  same as above, except use epoxy resin (I hadn't thought of this till I
>read today's post -- is this a lot stronger?);

I second Dave's opinion on epoxy.  If you can get a hold of a marine catalog
or visit a marine retailer there is several options of glass cloth
thickness.  There is fiberglass repair tape out there that has finished
selvaged edges and come in widths up to 12". helps makes for a neater job.
Catalogs;  Defender 1-800-654- 1616  www.DefenderUS.com   Boat/US
1-800-937-2628 www.boatus.com   West Marine 1-800-538-0775
>(c)  same as above, except attach (somehow, I imagine with epoxy??) a piece
>of stainless steel sheet metal (which I already have) to the underside for
>reinforcement.  The problem I see here is that stainless is such a pain to
>try to mold or cut, and I'm concerned that the bond between the fiberglass
>of the deck and the stainless steel may weaken in time.  (Any comments on
>this?)
>(d)  same as (c), except substitute aluminum, which I don't have, but would
>be much easier to work with;

I would scratch the idea of aluminum if exposed to the salty H2o, the
thinner aluminum in particular 16ga and lighter just did not last for me
(live and learn). The weight comparison alum verses SS is tempting to use
alum, no problem alum will just be another one of those maintenance things.
I try to avoid those maintenance things.  I would not encapsulate the SS or
alum with glass and epoxy. Lets say if you lay-up a 8"x8" piece of glass you
may want to then use a 4"x4" piece of SS on top of the glass lay-up.
Everything depends on how much shear or pull out is put on your deck, just
glass/epoxy and oversize washers might do great.

>(e) drill a sailing mast-sized hole in the deck, insert some type of sleeve
>plus gasket through the hole, glue a shallow cup onto the bottom of the
>boat, then slip the mast through the upper deck hole until the bottom of
>the mast rests inside the cup.  When the sail is not in use, I could put a
>stopper in the deck hole to keep water out.  The problem I have with this
>option is I don't like the idea of having the mast between by legs while
>paddling/sailing (it seems like it'd be in the way).

I think this would surly be my last option
>
Arthur Hebert
>
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