Flooring ideas

[harvey38]

Morning all,

I'm after ideas of what to cover the cabin sole with, the panels are currently ply, in reasonable condition, fit well and I lift probably four of them before and after each trip so quite often.

I've considered faux teak stuff available on Amazon etc but concerned about longevity and the edges getting ragged/worn with lifting quite often. I quite like the idea of the self lay flexiteak but I'm not sure I have the skills to make each one up as an individual panel x 11. Ideally I'd like to lay something in a big sheet, sticking down and cut around each panel so the lines all line up.

I've watched numerous YT videos but living 270 miles away from the boat makes the process difficult so trying to find a compromise between looks and ease but probably a big ask.

All constructive comments appreciated.

 

[Laysula]

Have a look at Permateak. You can buy it in large or small sheels and cut it to size yourself.

 

[prv]

Ideally I'd like to lay something in a big sheet, sticking down and cut around each panel so the lines all line up.

That sounds like an exact description of teak-and-holly-effect laminate.

I re-covered one of my sole boards, after 25 years of charter use had worn down the surface texturing. Still looked fine, but wasn't quite grippy enough especially when wet. Quite easy to do - cut the laminate a bit oversize, paint impact adhesive from a big can onto both laminate and ply, wait the stipulated time, then press together. I think I used a metal fibreglassing roller to help apply pressure. Then use a router with a laminate-trimmer bit (usually described as a kitchen-fitter's tool, they use it on formica worktops) to run round the edge and cut the laminate exactly to size. The bit runs on a wheel along the ply so you get a perfect edge with no skill required.

It's how my boat was originally built and I'm sure the same applies to most other production boats from at least the mid-90s onwards.

Pete

 

[harvey38]

That sounds like an exact description of teak-and-holly-effect laminate.

I re-covered one of my sole boards, after 25 years of charter use had worn down the surface texturing. Still looked fine, but wasn't quite grippy enough especially when wet. Quite easy to do - cut the laminate a bit oversize, paint impact adhesive from a big can onto both laminate and ply, wait the stipulated time, then press together. I think I used a metal fibreglassing roller to help apply pressure. Then use a router with a laminate-trimmer bit (usually described as a kitchen-fitter's tool, they use it on formica worktops) to run round the edge and cut the laminate exactly to size. The bit runs on a wheel along the ply so you get a perfect edge with no skill required.

It's how my boat was originally built and I'm sure the same applies to most other production boats from at least the mid-90s onwards.

Pete

Thanks PRV, much appreciated ?

 

[thinwater]

Paint and area carpet. I've never been fond of wood or fiberglass floors. Too hard, too hot or too cold, too slippery, and always have grit on them. Area rugs are easy to shake out or roll-up. Just cut the edges with a hot knife. Easy.