How to Build a Deck Boat

Even a very simple deck makes moving about the boat easier.

Boat owners and anglers enjoy spending as much time on the water as possible, but a metal bottom boat can make casting awkward and leave your feet in utter discomfort. Fortunately, you can convert a metal bottomed boat into a deck boat fairly easily. A new deck will create a more comfortable standing surface in your boat, make moving about in the boat more safe and ultimately lead to longer, more comfortable days on the water.

Things You'll Need

• Aluminum framing
• Rivet tool
• 3/4-inch rivets
• Drill and bits
• Polyester fiberglass resin
• Chalk line
• Marine grade silicone caulk
• Electric saw
• Plywood

Instructions

1. Mark the inside of the hull walls with carpenter's chalk. The mark should be approximately one-half inch higher than the bottom surface of the boat. Place marks along the chalk line to determine the width and the length of the deck.

2. Drill holes in the bottom of the boat for rivets. Install the rivets in the bottom of the boat. Align the rivets lengthwise. The rivets on the bottom of the boat will support the deck. Apply Marine grade silicone caulk around and on the rivets. Marine grade silicone caulk prevents water from entering the boat.

3. Saw a sheet of plywood according to your deck length and width measurements. Apply polyester fiberglass resin to the entire surface of the plywood. Cut an additional piece of plywood if the deck of the boat will be larger than one piece of plywood.

4. Rest the plywood deck on the rivets.

Tips & Warnings

• Drill one or two one-inch finger holes in the plywood deck so you can lift it off of the bottom of the boat more easily when needed.

References

• The Outboard Boater's Handbook
• Building a Deck on a Boat