Sundeck project (Idea from user "Jet" )

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

It's an '83 Mastercraft Stars and Stripes...no storage space what-so-ever. Got the idea from another user to convert the space in back to a sundeck / storage locker! I consulted my father-in law about building material as he owns a fiberglass plant. His advice was to use treated lumber (which will be covered in foam and vinyl, and to be sure to open doors after every trip to the lake to allow to dry. I am open to suggestions as you will see I am early on into this and things are changeable!

kartman · Posted: Jan 18, 2011 7:15 am Post subject:

paint it all with outdoor kilz, and alot of it. that is what i did on my sundeck doors. so far it seems to be working out great.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Good idea... but, will that possibly trap any moisture in? I am using pressure treated lumber... thought the natural wicking would be better? And I saw yours... very professional! You used a metal frame... right?

9DROZD · Outlaw Joined: 21 Apr 2010 Posts: 114

If you can afford it, instead of outdoor kilz, i would coat everything in West Systems and you would never have to worry about anything rotting. Another plus with using epoxy is that it will definitely strengthen everything. Just my .02 . Good luck with your build.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Never used epoxy before... Something I can get at a local Lowes?

9DROZD · Outlaw Joined: 21 Apr 2010 Posts: 114

More than likely no. Ive never checked. Its very simple to use, you mix the hardener with the epoxy as specified on the instructions, mix well, brush on and wait to dry. You could use fiberglass resin but the cost of resin has gone up tremendously. I think we buy it through A&M marine (im not 100% sure if you have to be a dealer to buy from them or not) but i would check a West Marine store if they have it or can get ahold of it. if you cant find any locally check the internet. If in the long run its going to be to hard or expensive you can do as stated above and use Kilz outdoor, just make sure you let it air out well when done.

9DROZD · Outlaw Joined: 21 Apr 2010 Posts: 114

I Just noticed your in Ft Worth. You can try Composite One for anything composite related. Ie: fiberglass mat, resin, carbon fiber, etc.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

ok... .thanks man!

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Are you planning on the wood remaining "exposed" or were you going to try to fiberglass over it?

If you're glassing I would recommend using straight Douglas Fir for your lumber and treat it with CPES. Since it is going to be in a very wet location, each piece of wood could use 2-3 coats. Then go about whatever your plans are for glassing. Resins don't seem to like to stick well to the treated lumbers.

Check out www.rotdoctor.com to find out more about CPES. Another good source for composite related materials is US Composites www.uscomposites.com

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

I don't know if I want to leave exposed or not... the doors and facade will all be foamed and vinyled... I have heard 2 different opinions on this... leave the treated lumber as is, and allow to dry after each use (the idea is that if I coat it with something and it does get wet inside... it will allow moisture to linger), and I have heard coat the frame... I don't see fiberglasing it as I have NO experience, and how much weight would that add? As it is I have a wait and see attitude about how much it is going to weigh down the back of the boat.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

If you're not going to glass it, then the treated wood can be a good way to go. I would agree with leaving it uncoated with anything else if you go that route. If you want wood that is coated for protection, go with regular Doug Fir and use CPES.

11 Outback V · Newbie Joined: 29 Oct 2010 Posts: 6 City: Lighthouse Point

Why not just use aluminum angle screwed to the boat on the three sides. Then just get some square tube for 3 legs in the front, each side and then the middle. Use starboard for the seat and front doors. Have them foamed and covered. No wood, no rot and no paint or glass work???
Just an idea

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

I thought about using metal... BUT I will prolly be selliing this boat in 2 years... so this needs to be removable and made original if the next people want. It will not be "conected" to the boat. Also... Aluminum and Starboard are pricey!

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Here is the latest... still need to attach lids, mount speakers, vinyl and foam!

kartman · Posted: Jan 25, 2011 6:25 am Post subject:

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Yea... that is pressure treated wood.... smae stuff my desck is made of... it costs more... but lasts a LONG time outside. My deck is 5 years old and looks great... so I figured this should last since it is in the garage at all times not being used.

BTB Preston · Newbie Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 46 City: Humbe, TX

Looking real good there chawk610, can't wait to see it completed.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Thanks... gotta get the vinyl... speakers, and get to the finish work!

Jet · Posted: Mar 10, 2011 1:40 pm Post subject:

Hey Im famous!! Great idea..focused pictures not so much. lol

OH, mine is going auto ballast in a month or so..plus a malibu-WEDGE!!

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Awesome!!! We are finally covering this darn thing!!! BTW... building it was the easy part!

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Ok... we started covering it... We are going to smooth out the wrinkles in the (1) door you see as we are learning as we go Smile

Lots of trial and error. Hopefully by this weekend both doors are covered and wrinkle free! The 6.5 JBL's I put in the front panel sound really good!

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

idiot... wrong pics... sorry

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Looking good. That should work out very well. I like the integration of the cup holders and speakers. Putting the vinyl on is a challenge and it is definitely an art that has to be learned.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Thanks... yea, it should be really functional! The Vinyl is my wifes dept... like I said, learning as we go!

Jet · Posted: Apr 21, 2011 8:35 am Post subject:

Any udates..is it finished??

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

YES finally! Loving it!

Jet · Posted: May 12, 2011 2:09 pm Post subject:

Nice...good job. Now you just need some speaker rings under those cup holders. lol

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

I know man... but they are so $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

That turned out looking pretty good.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Thanks! I think the vinyl needs work... but it kicked our butts!!! I think the functionality of it allows me to overlook it! Smile

Not to mention the addition of the speakers!!!