Changing floor

Tommy c · 30 July 2021, 16:46

I've got chance of a nearly new sib. It has got an air deck floor.
Can I use the airdeck as a template to make a solid floor?
Any pointers in making one and materials?
Thanks

Fenlander · 30 July 2021, 17:58

Do you mean as an over floor to protect... or to totally replace the air floor?

Tommy c · 30 July 2021, 18:24

To totally replace it.
How thick are ally floors generally?

Max... · 30 July 2021, 18:32

This old chestnut comes up pretty often. Tricky part is making stringers and getting the tension right. Really best just to get a solid floor in the first place.

Tommy c · 30 July 2021, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

This old chestnut comes up pretty often. Tricky part is making stringers and getting the tension right. Really best just to get a solid floor in the first place.

👍
How thick are ally floors generally? Thanks

Fenlander · 30 July 2021, 18:37

The actual floor about 15mm I reckon... the stringers where they nestle into the tubes I guess 40-50mm high.

Because air floors are rarely as tight as an alloy floor and with their contact edges kinder to where they touch you would need to check if the alloy floor model of whatever you are considering has reinforced fabric where the floor rubs on the tubes.

Tommy c · 30 July 2021, 19:04

Cheers Max and Fenlander.
The boat in question is a Tobin, apparently only used 3 times, any idea/feed back on their quality?

Fenlander · 30 July 2021, 19:29

They are a lowest price, badged up for various sellers, generic Chinese SIB.

So it should be cheap used.

Tommy c · 30 July 2021, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

They are a lowest price, badged up for various sellers, generic Chinese SIB.

So it should be cheap used.

What's your opinion on the boatworld boats?

Fenlander · 30 July 2021, 19:51

I think we've/you've been round this loop in the past.

In terms of perceived quality and perhaps actual quality you have the Zodiacs at the top. In the middle Honwave, Elling and Excel... perhaps others I've missed out. Then you have the rest. They will all float and for leisure use over say 5yrs from new many of the cheapest might perform just as well as the most expensive.

In truth price often equals quality.

If a certain length/build type SIB costs say £1700 from Zodiac and £1100 from Honwave yet can be turned out in a cheaper brand for £700 you have to wonder how and where corners are being cut.