[C320-list] Subfloor for cabin sole

[Jack Brennan]

Hi David:

I did this project about a year ago, although I repaired a few bad spots in the plywood with epoxy rather than replacing all of it.

Assuming you’re doing this yourself, here’s a thought: I used the teak and holly Lonseal, and I found that the most difficult part of the job was matching the stripes between the floor and the hatches that provide access to the bilge.

I ended up with the stripes from one hatch about a quarter inch off because of difficulties in fitting a section of flooring under the chart table. Not enough for anyone else to notice, but enough to aggravate me. Thankfully, it is at a spot where my wife places a rug …

As an alternative, Lonseal makes a solid teak vinyl flooring that would avoid this problem. It’s not the traditional pattern but, in retrospect, that’s the one I would choose for its ease of installation.

A lot of this depends on your skills. You may be a better floor guy than me and have the knack for fitting everything perfectly. However …

I found a really sharp vinyl flooring knife to be the best tool for cutting. 

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528
Tierra Verde, Fl
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay



Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: David Veeneman
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 11:44 PM
To: C320 Assn Forum
Subject: [C320-list] Subfloor for cabin sole

I’m getting ready to replace my cabin sole with Lonseal vinyl flooring. I’m going to replace my subflooring with 3/4 plywood.

Here’s my question: What sort of plywood is considered acceptable in this application? I know that I need a smooth-surface plywood, but beyond that, what should I look for for in a plywood? Home Depot doesn’t list any plywoods as ‘marine grade’, and just about the only feature they list is pressure-treated. As a result, I’m a bit at sea on this, and any advice would be helpful and appreciated.

--
David Veeneman
SV Adelante, Hull #131
Dana Point, CA