Does adding decking improve stability?

[Gblittle]

Hey y’all. First jon and first post here. Those of you that have added decking, did you notice any improved stability? Seems to me that decking would perhaps distribute weight, at least to some point, and possibly improve stability. I’m no structural engineer, just a theory. Also, what thickness did you use? If using foam padding between the ribs, is 1/2” overkill? Thanks in advance for your input, and looking forward to collaborating with everyone!

Edited to add that mine is a 1436 Landau flat bottom.

 

[Colorado1135]

It will add stability however it might not be a lot. 1/2" definitely isn't overkill. If stability is your primary objective then extra weight in the bottom by thicker decking wouldn't be a bad thing. Personally I'd go with the 1/2 and then add ballast if needed with a battery and or fuel tank, gear etc.

 

[Ray Clark]

There will be some increase in stability, simply because you're adding weight low in the boat. However, I don't think it will be a significant increase.

What it DOES do, in my opinion, is create a better surface for standing on and increases comfort over the course of the fishing day. That comfort is valuable, especially for my older feet and legs. You're not constantly shifting your weight to take pressure off certain points on your foot or ease discomfort in knees, legs, and back. That, to me, is just as important as stabilizing the hull. In a way, better ergonomics is also an increase in boat stability.

 

[Gblittle]

It will add stability however it might not be a lot. 1/2" definitely isn't overkill. If stability is your primary objective then extra weight in the bottom by thicker decking wouldn't be a bad thing. Personally I'd go with the 1/2 and then add ballast if needed with a battery and or fuel tank, gear etc.

Thanks Colorado! Adding decking is more of a comfort objective. Added stability was just an afterthought I was pondering.

 

[Gblittle]

There will be some increase in stability, simply because you're adding weight low in the boat. However, I don't think it will be a significant increase.

What it DOES do, in my opinion, is create a better surface for standing on and increases comfort over the course of the fishing day. That comfort is valuable, especially for my older feet and legs. You're not constantly shifting your weight to take pressure off certain points on your foot or ease discomfort in knees, legs, and back. That, to me, is just as important as stabilizing the hull. In a way, better ergonomics is also an increase in boat stability.

Thanks Ray. Yeah, comfort and ergonomics is definitely the primary objective. Was just curious of some stability might be a secondary benefit.

 

[airshot]

If your decking is raised then you might be top heavy and negate the small amount of added stability. Really tough to call, alot depends on how it is done.

 

[MrGiggles]

Decking or a floor?

A deck not is going to increase stability. It might make the boat feel a little more even keeled simply because of the weight, more so on V-bottoms where the boat is pushed further into the water, thus more surface area to provide flotation along the sides. Weight added above the center of gravity is never going to make something more stable.

A low mounted floor may increase stability somewhat, since the added weight is nearly as low as it can possibly be.

 

[Gblittle]

Thanks airshot & MrGiggles. I'm speaking of a floor vice a raised platform, so low center of gravity.

 

[LDUBS]

My two cents. Adding a typical 1/2" ply floor isn't likely to make a significant difference in stability. Though to the extent it would improve comfort or prevent stumbling, tripping & fallls could be significant.

 

[DaleH]

Just due to the sheer weight alone, a floor or anything added into a hull increases ‘initial stabilty’ due to the increased displacement.

But like someone else mentioned, for a floor versus a raised deck, a raised deck can decrease the ‘secondary stability’ or that when the boat tips or heels.

 

[mr coastie]

Any weight added ABOVE the centerline of a vessel will reduce stability, creating a "top heavy affect" adding weight BELOW the water line of the hull would aid in stability, usually as a result of additional displacement of hull surface area. A sailboat weighted keel adds to it's stability, counteracting the affect of the additional weight of masts and sails above it's centerline..
I hope this makes sense...(my two for sure)

 

[Kismet]

Somebody must have said this already, but any elevation of the floor surface will raise the center of gravity, dramatically if some stands up; then encountered waves, chop, bump over a hidden log--etc, can send a guy flying.

Be safe.