The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction - WEST SYSTEM Epoxy

Chapter 27 – Deck Construction 353
Figure 27-31 <strong>The</strong> deck of a 26' (7.9m) Luders 16 framed-in
and ready for plywood covering.
Figure 27-32 <strong>The</strong> Luders 16 deck covered with 1 ⁄4" (6mm)
okoume plywood. <strong>The</strong> teak overlay will contribute to deck
strength and stiffness.
Figure 27-33 Installing teak planking parallel to the sheer,
beginning along the outer sheer line and progressing toward
the center of the boat. This is a sprung deck.
After rough sanding, the teak deck is relatively smooth,
but gaps and voids usually remain between some strips.
Fill these flush with the filled black epoxy mixture so
that none are left anywhere on the surface. Trowel the
epoxy filler evenly into the gaps, removing any excess
on the deck to reduce the sanding required for a final
finish. After the filled surface has cured, do a final
sanding of the teak surface using 80-grit sandpaper.
Usually, a rotary sander with a foam disc pad is adequate
to achieve a nice, smooth surface. Another handy tool
for final teak sanding, especially for getting in tight
Figure 27-34 Deck planking and final sanding are completed.
Note the herringbone pattern where planks meet along the
centerline. Also note that the teak begins several inches
inboard from the sheer to allow for a painted cover board for
an attractive effect.