Cabin Sole Replacement

[Catpainzmcspice]

Hi! The sole in my sloop needed to be replaced. I saw this swell grate on a boat which came through the yard. What do you think? Could I do this for a cabin sole?

[James S]

The short answer is this is not generally used as sole.

The grating type shown in your pictures is generally used in applications where water is needed/allowed to pass through...that's why the large openings.

If you intend to use it as a sole, the large openings will be open to the bilge. Anything that is dropped on the sole smaller than the openings may end up in your bilge.
Any bilge noise or smells will be in your cabin.
I have seen this type of grating used around the companion way ladder with a collection "pan" under and they are also commonly used as shower grating in some older style boats.
They are expensive to build and are difficult to clean and maintain finishes.

[Catpainzmcspice]

I know :0( I see this in cockpits all the time but never cabin soles of this variety. I suppose I wished that people would appreciate the work. Teak and cherry ply? Sorry. Sorry.

[James S]

Nothing to be sorry for.
Definitely, well executed grating is a thing of beauty and well apriciated by those who have any knolege of what it takes to make....I just don't see it as practical for most sole applications.
I like the look of the traditional 2" teak strips soles, but if I was to re-do an entire boat of soles and didn't have a big budget for it I'd look at alternatives.

[minaret]

Try this sort of thing, it's the quickest way to get a nice looking sole in my opinion.

NU Teak Decking Inc - Teak and Holly Marine Flooring


Which yard do you work for spice? I'm a long time Ballard resident and shipwright. 14 yrs. at Shilshole. Looks like you're at Ballard Mill maybe?
Good luck with the sole and have fun living aboard in Ballard!

[boatman61]

Yup... coupla sheets and a decent jigsaw... your old floor lifted for the pattern and 'Bob's yer Uncle'.... seen some folk do their 30ftr over a W/end...
Don't forget to epoxy seal the cut edges...

[Catpainzmcspice]

Cool! Good advice. Thanks guys!

[cabo_sailor]

There was a recent issue of Good Old Boat where they showed how someone installed a new cabin sole using Nu-Teak. As I recall it didn't look too terribly difficult but like most projects, attention to detail and a bit of patience is called for.

You might check the Good Old Boat website to find out which issue and see if you can get a reprint or just buy that specific issue. Personally, I find the magazine interesting and useful enough that I subscribe. In fact that is the only sailing magazine I subscribe to.

Rich

[Catpainzmcspice]

Nice! Thanks, rich.

[SV Demeter]

Bamboo looks really nice i think and lightens up things but some will say it can detract from resale value...

[forsailbyowner]

Im really a cheapskate and function before form rules my decisions. I bought this shop mat at big lots. Its 3/8" foam with a diamond plate pattern and a durable oil and chemical resistant surface. Paid $40 for enough to do entire boat. Its comfortable to bare feet or sitting/laying on,easy clean,great traction,dropped glassware bounces when dropped and has served me well for a year now.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Paint

Covers multiple sins - and coated with anti-slip paint, it's non-slip .

and if you have sensitive toes or a woman onboard ......on top of that splash out on Carpet, once you have the pattern an easy thing to replace every 4 or 5 years. and can be lifted and stored safely when refitting or winterising.

[James S]

Originally Posted by forsailbyowner

Im really a cheapskate and function before form rules my decisions. I bought this shop mat at big lots. Its 3/8" foam with a diamond plate pattern and a durable oil and chemical resistant surface. Paid $40 for enough to do entire boat. Its comfortable to bare feet or sitting/laying on,easy clean,great traction,dropped glassware bounces when dropped and has served me well for a year now.

I like this

[Catpainzmcspice]

Well, after a month and a half of needless deliberation I decided to fab the exact same teak-and-Holly sole that I wanted to replace.

This time, however, I epoxy coated the bottom and sides so it won't rot after three years.

The result? Pretty good. My template was accurate and the pieces slipped into place on the first try!

I still need to varnish it and fab and matching bilge cover. I'll post pics when I do!

Thanks for the input and advice!

[James S]

So whats the darker rectangle bit in the center all about?
Judging from the lines it seems it should be flipped end for end.