How to Put a False Floor in a Boat

A false floor in a boat isn't a place to smuggle stuff; it's a layer of wood, separated from the hull or deck by some more wood. It makes standing a bit more comfortable, provides sound insulation and affords some storage space in a small boat. A false floor puts space between the floor on which you move and the surface beneath, separating the two with wood. The false floor can be lifted from your boat when it isn't needed, or for cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 2-by-4-inch studs
  • Circular saw
  • 3/4-inch marine plywood
  • China marker
  • Drill
  • 11/64-inch drill bit
  • Number 20 stainless steel wood screws, 3 inches long
  • Marine silicone caulk
  • Alkyd paint
  • Marine grade carpet
  • Marine carpet adhesive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width, with a measuring tape, of the space over which you wish to lay the false floor. Divide the width, in inches, by 10. This is the number of stringers you need to cut.

    • 2

      Cut 2-by-4-inch studs to form stringers the length of the space, with a circular saw. Cut a piece as long and as wide as the space you wish to cover with the false floor, from a sheet of 3/4-inch-thick marine plywood.

    • 3

      Lay one stringer along each long edge of the plywood. Position the other stringers on the plywood, equally spaced.

    • 4

      Draw a line on the plywood with a China marker, to mark the location of both edges of the stringers. As you remove each stringer from the plywood, make a dot every 8 inches between the marked stringer edges.

    • 5

      Drill an 11/64-inch pilot hole through each of the dots in the marine plywood Attach the 2-by-4-inch studs to the piece of 3/4-inch marine plywood with No. 20 stainless steel wood screws, 3 inches long.

    • 6

      Seal the seams between the plywood and the stringers with marine silicone caulk. Allow the caulk to dry for 24 hours. Paint all sides of the the plywood and the stringers with alkyd paint.

    • 7

      Set the false floor in place on the boat, stringers down, when you wish to use it.