looking for help...

I want to replace the flooring in my 1995 jon boat. I can not budge the screws that fasten the plywood.

Thanks for any help in advance.

luker

You will probably have to drill the head off and then drill the shank.

Use a quality high carbon steel drill bit, fast speed drill, apply pressure slowly, and try to stay in the center of the head until it comes off.

See if you can find a friend with a cordless impact driver. Make sure you have a bit that fits the screw head securely, put the tool in reverse , keep firm downward pressure and hang on. I have found that an impact driver will remove screws that otherwise seem hopeless.

I don't know anyone with one. Do you think just an impactdriver and hammer is worth a try before I start drilling?

luker

If you would have started drilling this morning you would be through by now  

I won't be doing anything until my 3 broken ribs heal! Just looking for the best way before I start when I can.

luker

ok...got the old floor out. My plan is to use 1/2" plywood that I am going to coat with marine lacquer then install carpet. The bow I am raising up 2 inches by using pressure treated 2x2's and the .5" plywood. What type and length screws should I use? The main floor will be .5" plywood to aluminum braces. The bow will be 1.5" 2x2's through the aluminum bow which lays over (original) wood. Then the .5" plywood to the 2x2's.

Should I consider 5/8" instead? Would deck screws be a good choice? I read stainless steel reacts with aluminum.

Best Regards to everyone,

luker

The thickness of plywood you use depends on the quality/grade and the number of plys. Of more concern to you should be the pt. lumber resting against the aluminum hull. This can cause corrosion of the metal over the long run. Stainless steel fasteners are always a good choice.Send for a McFeely's Catalog of fastners. They are good poeple to deal with  and there is good information as to scew applications and the various grades of stainless fastners. Is the boat to be used in salt water, or is it strictly a fresh water set up? I see too many pictures of decks built out of cdx or other low grade pine plywood. Once again the more plys the better strength to weight ratio. When you seal the plywood be extra carefull to seal the edges.