Question:
I'm replacing the deck on a 24' suntracker pontoon boat. It's used on
saltwater (chesapeake bay), and the current deck is rotting. Must I use
marine grade? What 3/4" plywood would be best?
Also, I've read that elevator bolts are the preferred method of
attaching the decking to the rails. Is this true? What size?
Answer:
I have replaced a lot of decks on pontoon boats with 3/4 CCA Pressure
Treated Plywood. It holds up especially well and so far none have been
brought back to me for warranty work. There is a very expensive wood
product for this use where 3/4 marine plywood is encased in a fiberglass
wrap. I suspect that once you drill thru it to run bolts to secure it to
the boats frame you have created an opening where water can get in and
likely never get out, hence... rot.
