Decking

[lunder]

I am going to be putting sheet aluminum down for my deck, in my 18ft Alaskan Lund. I'm thinking .080. My joist are 16 centers and are aluminum as well. I will be putting cleats on the side of the boat between the joists. Right now I have 5 quarter wood that people put in porches (heavy I know). It has a 25hp tiller, I'm looking for a 40 or 50hp tiller. With my set up right now I can do about 20mph.

 

[FerrisBueller]

By swapping out the wood for aluminum and a 25hp for a 40-50 you are going to be flying! That will be really nice!

 

[lunder]

That's kinda what I was thinking.

 

[lunder]

So I went ahead and took out all the water logged foam and replaced it. I also took out all the wood (decking, rod locker tops). I put ¼ inch sheet aluminum. With still the same 25hp motor I gained 5mph. I am very happy with the outcome!

 

[lunder]

I found a deal on a 50hp 4 stroke. I now do 32 mph