Installing Floors In Row Boats: A Step-By-Step Guide

Putting a floor in a row boat is a great way to improve comfort and functionality. While some boats have built-in floors, others require a custom installation. Common materials for boat floors include marine-grade plywood, aluminium, vinyl, and marine carpet. When installing a floor, it's important to consider weight distribution, flotation, and the centre of gravity to ensure the boat remains stable and safe. Additionally, proper fastening methods, such as riveting or screwing, are crucial to secure the floor in place.

Choosing the right material: Marine-grade plywood, marine carpet, aluminium, PVC, rubber or foam

Choosing the Right Material for Your Row Boat Floor

There are several materials to choose from when it comes to putting a floor in your row boat. Each material has its own unique advantages and considerations. Here are some of the most common options:

Marine-Grade Plywood

Marine-grade plywood is a popular choice for boat flooring due to its durability and water resistance. It is made of thin layers of high-quality hardwood, typically tropical hardwoods like ipe, birch, teak, or mahogany, held together with waterproof glue. This construction gives it superior strength and longevity compared to standard plywood. Marine-grade plywood is also resistant to pests like termites and ants. To ensure the wood is protected and to maximise its lifespan, it's important to seal it with a clear penetrating epoxy or polyurethane sealer.

Marine Carpet

Marine carpet is a good option for those seeking comfort and safety. It provides a soft and comfortable surface to walk on, reducing the stress on your feet and ankles. Additionally, marine carpet offers excellent traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially when the floor is wet. It is important to note that marine carpet requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent dirt and mildew buildup.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight and durable option for boat flooring. It is strong and can withstand constant foot traffic and exposure to the elements. One consideration to keep in mind is that aluminium can be slippery, so it may need to be treated or covered with a non-skid coating or marine carpet to improve traction.

PVC

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a versatile and durable material that can be used for boat flooring. It is water-resistant, slip-resistant, and easy to maintain. PVC flooring comes in a variety of colours and textures, allowing for customisation. It is important to use the correct adhesive when installing PVC flooring to ensure proper adhesion and to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Rubber

Rubber flooring is an excellent choice for boat floors as it provides traction, comfort, and protection. Rubber has a high level of grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls. It also offers anti-fatigue comfort, relieving stress on the feet and ankles during prolonged periods of standing. Additionally, rubber flooring protects the base of the boat from physical damage, moisture, and corrosion.

Foam

Foam flooring is a unique option that provides comfort and safety for those on board. It is designed to reduce fatigue and is supremely comfortable underfoot. Foam flooring also reduces the risk of slips and falls, even when wet. Some foam flooring options are made from premium materials used in high-end fashion brands, ensuring quality and durability.

Using a template: Tracing the old floor or cardboard to get the exact shape

To get the exact shape for your new row boat floor, you can use a template. If you have access to the old floor, you can use this as a template by tracing its shape onto the new material. This will ensure that your new floor fits perfectly into your boat. Alternatively, you can use cardboard to create a template. Cardboard is easy to cut and manipulate, so you can get an exact fit.

First, take some cardboard and place it in the boat, using weights or something similar to hold it in place. You can then trace the outline of the space you want to fill with the new floor. Be sure to mark any important features, such as where the seats will go or any fixtures that need to be accommodated. You can then cut the cardboard to size and use this as a template to trace onto your new flooring material.

Using a template will ensure that your new floor fits snugly and securely in your boat. It is important to take your time with this step to ensure an accurate fit. Once you are happy with the template, you can use it to cut your new floor to size.

Fastening the floor: Screws, rivets or glue

When it comes to fastening the floor of your row boat, there are a few options to consider: screws, rivets, or glue. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Screws

Screws are a popular choice for attaching a plywood floor to a row boat. They offer the advantage of being easy to install and providing a strong and secure hold. When using screws, it is important to select the appropriate type and size of screw for your specific application. Stainless steel screws are typically recommended for their strength and corrosion resistance. It is also important to consider the length of the screw, ensuring that it is long enough to securely fasten the floor without being too long, which could cause damage to the underlying structure. In addition, using a screw with a collar or "cup washer" can help to distribute the load more evenly and reduce the risk of the screw pulling through the material.

When installing screws, it is important to drill pilot holes and to use the appropriate lubricant or sealant to ensure a secure and watertight fit. Screws can also be tightened if they become loose over time, making them a more flexible option compared to rivets. However, screws may require access to both sides of the fastener hole, which can be a limitation in some boat designs.

Rivets

Rivets are another common method for attaching a floor to a row boat. They offer a quick and easy installation process, especially when using a rivet gun. Rivets are available in various materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, with aluminum being a popular choice to avoid corrosion caused by mixing metals. When choosing rivets, it is important to select the appropriate size and length to ensure a secure fit. Large-headed rivets are often preferred for their increased holding strength.

One advantage of rivets is that they can be installed from one side of the fastener hole, making them suitable for blind installations. However, if the floor needs to be removed or replaced in the future, drilling out the rivets can be more time-consuming and challenging compared to removing screws.

Glue

Using glue to attach a floor to a row boat is also an option, and there are several types of glues available that can provide a strong bond. Marine-grade epoxy is often recommended for its strength and durability in a wet environment. When using glue, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the surfaces are clean and prepared properly for bonding. Gluing can be a messy process, and it may be more difficult to remove the floor in the future if needed. However, glue can provide a seamless and invisible finish, which may be aesthetically preferred.

In conclusion, when fastening the floor of a row boat, screws, rivets, and glue are all viable options. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences. By selecting the appropriate materials, following the correct installation techniques, and considering the unique characteristics of your boat, you can achieve a secure and durable floor installation.

Weight considerations: Opting for lighter materials to avoid weighing down the boat

When installing a floor in a row boat, weight is an important consideration. You don't want to weigh down your boat and affect its performance. Here are some tips and suggestions for opting for lighter materials to avoid adding excessive weight:

Opt for Lightweight Materials:

• Plywood: Plywood is a common material used for boat flooring. However, choose thinner plywood or go for marine-grade plywood, which tends to be lighter and more durable. Thinner plywood sheets, such as 1/2-inch or even 3/8-inch, can significantly reduce weight while still providing adequate support.

Centre of gravity: Ensuring the floor doesn't raise the centre of gravity too high

When installing a floor in a row boat, it is important to consider the centre of gravity of the boat. The centre of gravity of a boat is denoted as point G or CG, and it is the point at which the ship's weight and cargo are balanced. A boat's centre of gravity can be lowered by adding weight lower in the boat, and it can be raised by adding weight higher in the boat.

To ensure that the floor does not raise the centre of gravity too high, it is important to use lightweight materials. One option is to use marine-grade plywood, which is available in thicknesses of 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch. This material can be cut to size and shaped to fit the contours of the boat. It is also important to consider the weight of any additional hardware or fasteners that will be used to secure the floor.

Another factor to consider is the distribution of weight in the boat. The floor should be installed in a way that maintains a balanced weight distribution. This may involve adding support structures or stringers to distribute the weight of the floor and ensure that it does not create an uneven load.

Additionally, it is important to keep the overall weight of the floor as low as possible. This can be achieved by using lightweight materials and minimizing the thickness of the floor. It is also crucial to consider the weight of any additional items that will be placed on the floor, such as fishing gear or other equipment.

By considering the weight, distribution, and placement of the floor and any additional equipment, you can help ensure that the centre of gravity of the row boat remains at an appropriate level and does not affect the stability or performance of the boat.

Frequently asked questions