laid decks

[jed]

Further to a note that I contributed recently, Iam now wondering if anyone out there has some experience regarding updating a deck on an old wooden yacht. The subdeck is diagonal planked, with a longitudinal laid deck on the outer. I have received some good advice regardig the laid deck. At one stage I was considering glueing and screwing plywood to the subdeck. On analysis from the Forum and discuusion with friends, I have ascertained that this may not be the best way to go, and infact a laid deck as it was before maybe the best option. However after a bit of thought Iam wondering about another layer of diagonal planking rather than a longitudinal. It cant be denied that it would be ultra strong. I would then lay canvas over it and paint it. Another benifit is that it would be quicker an less expensive.
Any advice from the forum would be much appreciated.


Regards Jed.

 

[Mirelle]

Maybe not be so simple

How does the present deck terminate at the outboard edge and in way of hatches, etc? Is there a covering board?

 

[pelorus32]

The issue that Mirelle is highlighting is the one that is of concern to you. If you are going to lay anything that lands between deck beams then you need to block between the beams in the relevant places. This applies for a straight laid deck or for diagonals. The most likely place to have to block is between the deck beams at the sheer and around any structures that intrude on the deck. Examples are coach house and hatches.

In contrast a swept deck has substantially less of these issues. If however your deck has been previously laid with diagonals then in all likelihood the blocking will be in place.

As far as your choice of layers is concerned - what you lay in terms of straight or diagonal is governed by two factors: The strength required and the aesthetics of the finished job. The latter is dealt with by the canvas and paint covering on the "deck side". It is not dealt with in the overhead however and this is why some people shape the edges of the strakes to form a seam and lay the first layer fore and aft. As for strength issues, you'll have to ask an engineer!

Best of luck

Mike

 

[jed]

Thanks for your advice. The sub deck which is diagonal, is pretty conventional. In that it sits on the deckbeams carlin and gunwhale.Around the deckline is a covering board. I would of thought another layer of diagonal would be as effective as a laid deck, would you agree. Asthetics are not an issue as it is to be covered with canvas.Diagonal or fore and aft, that is the question. I think I like diagonal as it would be cheaper, easier and faster to lay, An issue with this is fastening the diagonal layer between the deckbeams. If I used epoxy I could temporary screw. However a more traditional method may not let you get away with it,as Iam only going into a 9mm subdeck. Any way there is a bit more fodder for the experts to chew on. I look forward to your opinions.

Regards Jed.