How to Redeck a Boat

With continued use, your boat's deck can become worn to the point of needing replacement. Replacing a deck can be a do-it-yourself project if you have the right tools and an available afternoon, but beware; if done incorrectly, the project can produce holes that will affect your boat's buoyancy. While the project can be completed by one person, working as a team will greatly reduce the time it takes and get you back out on the water sooner.

Things You'll Need

  • Crowbar
  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Grinder (optional)
  • Pliers
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • New boards for deck -- marine-grade lumber only
  • Commercial water-based sealant (optional)
  • All acrylic exterior house paint (optional)
  • Indoor/ Outdoor carpet (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the old deck from the boat. This will be the most difficult part of the project. Use the crowbar, drill, hammer or screwdriver to remove the deck completely. Save the removed boards intact to use as cutting guides in a later step.

    • 2

      Save all of the pieces of hardware that were removed while taking off the old deck. Keeping the old hardware will allow you to easily see what size or type of hardware you need when you install the new deck, as well as provide spare parts if necessary.

    • 3

      Use a grinder, if necessary, to wear down any broken or hard to remove hardware. Grinders can be rented from tool-rental companies.

    • 4

      Lay out the boards for the new deck. Use the old decking boards to draw cutting lines on the new boards to assure that the new wood will fit properly. Cut along the cutting lines.

    • 5

      Mark the spots on the underside of the board where the new bolts will be placed. This will help you line up the boards with existing holes in cross-members or beams.

    • 6

      Pre-drill any holes that will hold a bolt. This will not be necessary if you have chosen to use self-tapping screws.

    • 7

      Attach the first board of the new deck. Use six screws per board, evenly spaced down the length of the board to start.

    • 8

      Continue to add the remaining new boards to the deck, screwing down the boards with a line of six screws.

    • 9

      Finish securing the new deck by adding additional screws or bolts where necessary. Check to make sure all bolts and screws are securely tightened.

    • 10

      Apply a water-based floor sealant to the new wood deck, if desired, following the manufacturer's instructions. There are many commercial sealants available in hardware and lumber stores. Allow the sealant to dry completely before use. If desired, re-carpet the deck of the boat with indoor/outdoor carpet. You might also consider using an all acrylic exterior house paint to paint the wood deck.