Shrunken deck planking

[Decko]

I've got an old working boat with deck planking that's shrunk away from the sikaflex caulking in places - adding to lots of other deck leaks through fastenings, etc. I want to paint over the entire deck with a flexible waterproof and virtually indestructible coating product usually used for protecting pick-up truck beds. (I've checked, it is 'marine' proof.)

Anyway, should I go over the planks as they are, simply running this product into the seams to fill them up where they've opened, or should I try and wet the planks so they expand again before I apply the coating? (This may sound like an awful bodge job to the purists, but I can't afford a new deck and I'm hoping this solution will keep me dry for a good few years.)

Any advice gratefully received...

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[Peterduck]

Firstly, check very diligently that the leaks have not allowed rot to set in on the deck beams and the planks themselves. You will not be a happy little chicken if your deck disintegrates under its nice new coating. If all is sound, rip out the old seam caulking and replace it, to fill the extra width of seam. A very good product for covering decks is Sikkens' "Coelan", which remains flexible and is long-lasting, even in the Australian sun.
Peter.

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