Wooden deck

[Woobs]

I am looking to remove the fiberglass deck off my 16' Donzi Ski Sporter and replace it with a mahogany deck. It's possible I will also change the crown of the deck.

My query arises from the integral Walt Walters design of this boat with a "boat in a boat" for strength. The 'glass deck fits outside the gunwale and is fastened with screws inboard. This also adds strength to the 'glass hull from pushing out.

I plan on adding bulkheads and battens to compensate for the inner hull but, how do I best get the strength back from along the lip of the gunwale?

I know this has been done before... I'm just looking for the best way.

Attached: Someone else's idea of how to do this.

Comments please?

 

[AndySGray]

Is the deck compromised in some way - if not, is it possible to simply plank on top of the existing deck (OK can't change the crown) but no cans of worms risk being opened.

 

[Woobs]

Yes, I'm changing from a "lounge" seating to a single "bench" seat . I'm also changing the transom to have a tumblehome. So the original cockpit area is cut out and reduced in size.

I can plank over the old deck but, then I cannot change the deck crown.... that's not too big a loss. However, the mating seam of deck and hull will look awkward (bulky) with wood/glass & trim.

I'd like to build a purpose made, no-compromise deck to my specs.

 

[TeddyDiver]

Depends how have you planned the deck structure.. One possible solution is to place ply, mahogany veneer under the deck if you like, glue it with epoxy on the gunwhale lip and to the battens and other members. Then lay up the deck as you like... Or do it cold molded..

 

[Woobs]

Depends how have you planned the deck structure.. One possible solution is to place ply, mahogany veneer under the deck if you like, glue it with epoxy on the gunwhale lip and to the battens and other members. Then lay up the deck as you like... Or do it cold molded..

Excellent!!!

 

[PAR]

There are lots of ways to do a deck, the best is plywood and if you want it to have brightly finished planks, this can be a veneer glued over it. I find longitudinal stringers the lighter way to go, compared to beams, but as Teddy suggested it depends on how you frame the deck. Whatever you decide, think light and strong, as 16' boats can be a little sensitive to additional weight.

 

[Woobs]

Yes, this is a DONZI hull so, it will be taking some pounding....


I will ,make a strong light framework (similar to picture attached) epoxy it and tab it in to the glass hull and cover it in 1/4 marine ply. I'm thinking I can set up a course of 6oz on top of the plywood that ties into the hull at the gunwale then, use mahogany over that and maybe another course of 6oz.

Sound like enough?

 

[PAR]

Some cloth between the sub deck and the veneers is a good idea, though 6 ounce over the veneers will be visible. If you must use a fabric over the veneers, it should be 4 ounce or less. Don't go very thick on the mahogany.

 

[waikikin]

Hi Woobs,

sounds like crazy talk to cut up the Donzi unless there is something already wrong with it, it's your boat......
Jeff

 

[Woobs]

Hi Woobs,

sounds like crazy talk to cut up the Donzi unless there is something already wrong with it, it's your boat......
Jeff

It's an old boat and i cannot verify any production info. So, it's not historically significant or even worth that much. The Ski Sporter is a "lounge" seating arrangement and I'm looking to make it more of a racer replica similar to the original class III Cowes - Torquay boats like Win Mill II, Thunderflash, Thunderbox, Thunderbird, Thunderstreak...etc. It'll be a "hot rod" of sorts

 

[waikikin]

It's an old boat and i cannot verify any production info. So, it's not historically significant or even worth that much. The Ski Sporter is a "lounge" seating arrangement and I'm looking to make it more of a racer replica similar to the original class III Cowes - Torquay boats like Win Mill II, Thunderflash, Thunderbox, Thunderbird, Thunderstreak...etc. It'll be a "hot rod" of sorts

A hot rod sounds good, I was just thinking that the Donzi original is kind of classic plastic & resto to original might be valid & worth some bucks down the track.
All the best with your project. J.

 

[Woobs]

I'd be open to using another hull for the foundation of this project. But thinking from a practical use standpoint, it's hard to beat this Walt Walters 24* deadrise offshore design for the rough water... especially for a small 16' boat. I suppose a Formula Jr. (If I could find one) might be an alternative but, again these boats are beginning to rise in value and I already have the Donzi hull to start with.

You'll never get your $ out so, you may as well build what you want and live with it.

 

[Woobs]

Well, after getting all ready and cleaning out the garage for workspace in the winter.... I couldn't do it. A 1965 Donzi Ski Sporter that was obviously an early build was just too hard to cut up. So, I sold it last weekend... it went quick!

I have a line on someone that is building moulds for a Thunderbird Formula Jr. splash. I am hoping to convince them to sell me a new splash or, the old hull that was used to make the mould. But, no guarantees at this point.

I will also still keep my eyes out for another project Jr. as they do surface fro time to time... and as I said before... You might as well start with what you want.