Anybody who’s ever owned or even maintained a boat can tell you just how physically, mentally, and financially demanding it can be. In fact, the average annual expense of boat use and maintenance runs about 10% of the purchase price. Boat flooring is just one aspect of boat maintenance that many owners overlook, but the type and quality of boat flooring material is a main factor when it comes to longevity and durability. If you’re installing boat flooring yourself, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do for a new and professional look that will last for years to come. Here are just a few mistakes to avoid when installing boat flooring.
Not Thoroughly Removing Rot
Most boat owners are aware that the area needs fully cleaned prior to installing new flooring, but it’s not always easy to truly determine when the area is clean. Rot is sometimes very hard to see, and without sufficient experience, a beginner can easily mistake rotting areas for part of the floor itself. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and with that in mind, don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease into it and make sure you get all of the rotting. Of course, some say that it’s always the better course of action to replace rotted areas instead of just trying to clean them.
“Replacing a piece of rotting floor is the best course of action because there is no telling how bad the rotting is as it could have spread to other places not immediately visible,” writes DoItYourself.
Using Nails
During the installation process, keep in mind which of the various boat flooring options you’re using. There are many that should never be used with nails, as using nails weakens the structural integrity of the entire flooring project.
Today, more than 87 million U.S. adults participate in recreational boating. If you’re one of them, understanding these mistakes can save you some serious time, money, and frustration during your boat flooring installation project.
