Redecking a Bass Tracker

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Blkrvrbart

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Hello. I’m new to the forum. My parents have a 1981 Bass Tracker II that they’ve asked me to redeck. I have some 1/8” plate aluminum that would work as a substitute for the plywood, and it would be about the same amount of work either way. Any thoughts on whether this is an improvement or going to cause a problem? Thanks ahead of time for your constructive discussion.
 
Unless you just want to use it because you have it 1/8" is way overkill for flooring. Bunch of weight you don't need to carry.
 
I used 1/8" also in my latest project. I added some 3/4" tubing lengthwise for more support. With just the factory ribs running the width of the boat, the 1/8 had a good bit of flex/ give. This was with it just laying on the floor,not screwed down. Mabey with it screwed it would have helped but the extra supports running lengthwise definitely helped. Floor is rock solid now.IMG_1367.JPG
 
I always put .065 or .080 and put foam under it. With it screwed to the ribs, it is rock solid.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I’ll have to measure the actual gauge but as I recall from using it building my utility tractor cab it’s 1/8”. And with foam under it I think it would be fine as well. What kind of screws are you using? Stainless would be my choice, or rivets.
 
Blkrvrbart said:
Thanks for the feedback. I’ll have to measure the actual gauge but as I recall from using it building my utility tractor cab it’s 1/8”. And with foam under it I think it would be fine as well. What kind of screws are you using? Stainless would be my choice, or rivets.
#10 stainless.
 
If you're going to be in salt water use aluminum rivets, if only fresh then stainless is fine.

1/8 aluminum is about 1.75lb/ sq ft.

5/8 plywood is about 1.5

3/4 plywood is about 1.9

You're carrying about the same weight as you were before (I believe those decks were 5/8") but you'll never have to replace it again...

No sense buying something else to save a little weight when you've got the 1/8 available. 1/8 would work great for an elevated front deck & if you ran out & needed to buy aluminum you could go with a lighter gauge to save on cost & weight for the sections you can support with foam backing.
 
If I were to use plywood, it would be 3/4”, so the 1/8” plate is a little lighter. It is 1/8. And I’d feel better about rivets, plus I’m thinking about silicone between the rib and deck to eliminate any rattles. The upper bow deck and the custom stern deck I’m going to add will most likely be diamond plate 1/4” aluminum. I have about enough to make that happen. I would like to get it done by this summer to get them on the water, but the redecking is just the tip of the iceberg. Needs a complete rewire job, and I haven’t heard the engine run in three years. Looks more like some fall fishing may happen at the earliest. I’ll post build pictures. Thanks
 
Took another look at the Tracker this evening. Bow rim is cracked. May have to use the spool gun on this one, that’s pretty thin stuff.
All the wiring is toast. Not much to it though.
What kind of flotation foam holds up best?
 

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Well, tore the old decking out. Mice had found all the flotation foam and destroyed it. I’m thinking about using closed cell spray foam in plastic bags kind of like in a jet ski hull. Would be more area of flotation foam than chunks, but do you see any reason to not use this method? What a mess that was.
 

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Here’s a few more pictures.
 

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Here’s a picture of the aforementioned cab for the utility tractor. 1/8” plate aluminum is very easily machined kind of like plywood. Plexiglass isn’t as forgiving.
 

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lckstckn2smknbrls said:
Silicone doesn't play nice with aluminum.
Good to know. Had an hour to throw at it last night. Has anyone ran “smurf tube” (3/4” blue plastic conduit) for the wiring? I found a lot of bare wires and it seems like a good idea to me, but I’d probably drill holes through it every 1-2 feet for drainage before installation. Anybody with thoughts on the spray foam and bag ideas?
 
More progress. Had to flatten the smurf tube a little to fit in the channels. Decided just to use it in wear areas. All the new wire is pulled, and then some. Smurf tube all the way down the port side. I’ll put an access panel where the tee is. I have some 1 1/2” Dow Blue foam board I’d like to use for flotation under the floor. Any reasons not to?
 

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The blue and pink foam boards work great.
A good alternative to silicone is Loctite 2 in 1 adhesive.
 
Great Stuff is good for filling small areas, but too expensive to do a whole boat. If you want to use expanding foam check out US Composites.com 2# expanding foam you mix the 2 parts 1:1 its pretty straight forward.
 

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