Wood or Aluminum

Lynn · Nov 19, 2024

Bought a 16 foot klamath center console recently.
Can I swap out the wood seats and deck with aluminum diamond plate or is there a good reason to use wood?
I posted this earlier and it disappeared so if this question isn't allowed let me know.

Bantou · Nov 22, 2024

As long as it is in good shape, I'd leave the wood alone. Diamond Plate is going to get HOT in the sun unless you go through the trouble to paint it. I guess you could also cover it with something, but you'd lose the grip from the diamond plate.

airshot · Nov 22, 2024

Worse case is, both wood and metal can be hard and uncomfortable to sit on. Wood needs upkeep and metal gets really hot in summer sun. Consider making a nice padded cover for the seats that can be snapped in place. Now wood finnish and hot metals are not a problem and your butt will thank you !!

TriBull · Nov 23, 2024

airshot said:
Worse case is, both wood and metal can be hard and uncomfortable to sit on. Wood needs upkeep and metal gets really hot in summer sun. Consider making a nice padded cover for the seats that can be snapped in place. Now wood finnish and hot metals are not a problem and your butt will thank you !!

I used snap down marine cushions by OceanSouth on my wood seats - they’re great! OceanSouth has a website or you can find some on Amazon. There’s a variety of sizes & colors. Mine have held up well…
https://oceansouth.us/product/boat-...GGjQ7QUVNKFmXjbbB419RQUQQA-ONGW1O7M0hRBphvlOM

Lynn · Nov 23, 2024

So the only downside to using aluminum rather than wood is heat?
I plan on fully painting the interior with Tuffcoat paint and adding cushions to all the flat surfaces that someone would sit on.

FuzzyGrub · Nov 23, 2024

Aluminum is generally harder to work with and access to tools to work with are less available, to most. When I did the floor in my 1648, it was aluminum over closed cell foam panels. My local supply cut the sheets to my spec and had a large brake for the bends needed. Lacking welder and the skills to use it, went with screws and rivets.

Wood or aluminum, you want to strive to minimize the extra weight you are adding.