Preserving ply

[fisherman]

So I've done a makeshift deck for the GRP 15ft punt, just to get going and not spend money. 9mm WBP ply which was a partition wall in the shop. Last time I used this it disintegrated after not many years. WBP isn't what it used to be, not BS 1088 any more. I sloshed a mix of used (petrol) engine oil and creosote on it: it looks quite nice actually, remains to be seen if it survives. It certainly sucked it up, I think that's the word I want. I hope the creosote will keep the slippery stuff from forming. I usually use floor paint and throw B&Q playpit sand on for non slip.
Thermhex sealed deck in the boat I just sold, but it cost over £150 for a 12ft boat.
I had liquid lino on the deck of my FV, I could never get it off without using a grinder, wish it was still about.

 

[coopec]

Having read your post it is obvious you are certainly no amateur so this wouldn't apply to you.

"In 2003 the EU took the decision to ban the amateur use of creosote as a precautionary measure, because of concerns around the impacts of creosote on human health and the environment".4 Jan 2022

Creosote update: find out more on the 2021 approval review

 

[neil_s]

That was the favourite wood treatment at the old - world boatyard I still frequent - seemed to work! The Hilliard boat I owned some 30 years ago came to me with canvas covered decks. I skinned them with 1/4 inch ply. I used a saturator composed of 1/3rd varnish, 1/3rd cuprinol and 1/3rd linseed oil followed by oil-based paint and topped off with a non-slip deck paint. She's had new non-slip but the wood and base coats are still in good order!

 

[fisherman]

That sounds like good service for sure. Some one here fitted a small GRP hull for fishing and just oiled the iroko gunnels, never any problems. We'll see.