1"-1.5" square tubing. 12" on center bracing. 1/8"-3/16" floor thickness.

Here is a picture of how I attached my deck to my boat. Keep in mind I have a fiberglass boat but it has a piece of steel trim all the way around it.

I used the bolts and bolt holes that were already in the trim

 

I would do 1 1/2 tube for perimeter and side to side every foot 1" front to back. Decking sheets either .100or .125(1/8th " )

As for attaching put up a pic of your rails

 

My busy season for making rods will be slowing down next month. Wish I would have knowen you was looking to have a deck built.

 

You doing flush or raised?

Regardless I'd look at 1x2 tubing vs square. A rectangle on its side will be stiffer than a square. Andy is on the right track...either side to side, or front to back full length tubing, spaced about 12" on center. Running a single 1x3 up the center, with the rest 1x2 would ensure rigidity even with 4 guys on deck. I don't see any advantage of the grid pattern if you use .100 or .125 sheeting.

You should be fine with your deck resting on the rails. If it's raised I'd make the 'feet' that rest on the rails fairly long-at least 10-12" if you're worried about denting or stressing the rail too much. As for attachment, it's hard to say without knowing flush or raised, and what the rails look like.

 

I did my deck in 1"x2" with .100" sheeting. I also went up the center with a spine. That's what I ran my electric cords through to get them up off the floor.

 

I didn't grab a pic of the boat before I left for work. This is one I had from the season. I want it to be about 10" off the rail and hang the lights under.

TJE, when do you have free time? How much would you charge?

 

Does the .100" sag at all with 12" on center spacing? I feel like that's cutting it close for thickness.

 

I used .100" because that's what I had on hand and it's a smidge lighter than .125". I only weigh a couple hundred pounds and don't normally go with anyone so it works great for me. If I was going to have 3 or 4 guys on the deck I'd probably go with the .125" on 12" centers like what was suggested. I've never noticed any sagging with the .100" though.

 

I've built a couple with .090 on 12" centers.....no sag. They were both for 1648 light weight rigs.

 

Progress!

 

Looking good!

 

looks good dude!

 

Nice work!

 

It looks like you are deciding to ratchet it down?

 

^yes, going to have 4 ratchets on the underside. there are 2 bow-eyes in the boat already (one on each gunbox's end) and then just welding 2 more to the front deck, tucked close to the sides. It will do the trick.

 

you can see the eye on the gunbox in the 2nd pic.

 

Looks good. What lights are you planning on using?

 

got these lights: https://www.amazon.com/Viugreum-Wat...rd/dp/B01M110RNW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496781198&sr=8-1&keywords=viugreum+50w

Differences between these and standard 50W:
6000 lumens each compared to 4500 lumens
120deg cone angle for the light vs. 180deg cone angle. NO LIGHT WASTED UP IN THE TREES. all 6500 lumens going straight into the water.
They are 2.5lbs, compared to the 5lb standard 50W
lights are more compact
Bracket is more "heavy duty"
both are IP65.

 

Light travels in waves my friend, your still going to lose some. I tried a more "spot" style light setup and didn't like it.

 

Hope the lights work out. Specs sound good. Send one to gary for testing.

So a lot of you guys are using ratchet straps for holding the deck down? I thought turnbuckles were favored if using tension only.

 

Very curious about those lights. Post some pics as soon as you get them. I might have to order a few or 12

 

Deck is looking fabulous my dood. I especially like that tubing! Can't wait to see it when it's completed.

 

That is an interesting light

 

Are those lights 12/24v?

 

Do you have the lights in your possession? I'd love to see some pics. I'm really tempted to order a bunch tonight.

 

they are at the shop with the boat. I should be there sunday, can snag some pics for you then.

 

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