Source of deck panels?

[HeadedToTexas]

I am planning to make a cover for the rudder and angle sensor linkage in our lazarette to not only protect the linkage and hydraulic hoses, but also serve as a step in and out of the hatchway. The deck panels in the engine room look ideal for that project.

Guessing Helmsman fabricates those in house, but surely there is a stateside source of something similar if not identical. Any ideas?

 

[Comodave]

Maybe some 1/4” aluminum plate with diamond nonskid or just plain. Cuts easily and can be welded easily. Strong enough to stand on. Or just plain old plywood in 3/4”. And then paint it.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. HTT.

Screw down the legs.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

Good ideas. I had thought about plywood glassed over and painted white, and that’s what led me to the decking idea. Is prefabricated deck panel material not a thing?

 

[HeadedToTexas]

This Grip-X material looks right, but likely not inexpensive.

https://www.vycomplastics.com/product-families/seaboard/grip-x/

 

[Comodave]

It sorta looks a bit like SeaDek. We had SeaDek put on our decks and swim platform and love it. Hyou could put it on top of whatever you make the panels out of. If you do the plywood and paint you could put some nonskid in the paint.

 

[mvweebles]

Best would be to have the diamond plate bent-up at a machine shop with a brake. However that might be a PITA to find someone to do it. Otherwise, I would probably use off-the-shelf metal from OnlineMetals.com and screw/bolt it together. OnlineMetals will cut to size so it's not as ratty as when I use a die-grinder on it. Maybe use aluminum rectangular tubing as a riser, and aluminum diamond plate for the tread.

2x4 Aluminum tubing HERE (there are many different dimensions depending on how high you want the riser)

1/4" thick Aluminum diamond plate HERE

Good luck -

Peter

 

[Solly]

Look up Starboard. Not cheap but practically indestructible.

 

[mvweebles]

Look up Starboard. Not cheap but practically indestructible.

I doubt unsupported starboard has the strength to act as a step.

McMaster Carr sells fiberglass sheets in various thicknesses and dimensions. It's heavy stuff, and would have to be joined, presumably with epoxy and perhaps fiberglass wrap at corners. But would also be indestructible.

McMaster-Carr Page:
https://www.mcmaster.com/Sheets/grade~gpo3/

Peter

 

[Comodave]

Yes, I love Starboard for many uses but as a step, not unless there is structure underneath it. It is easy to work with and practically indestructible but it does need structure to support it.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

After some deeper thought, it seems like the step and risers are best made of wood that is then sealed and painted white to match the look of the lazarette. I can blend some non-skid grit into the step surface. This is a step/cover that will remain largely dry and may not command sophisticated (and expensive) materials. Something like the right TotalBoat product comes to mind.

 

[Comodave]

I would just use 3/4” plywood and epoxy coat it. Use thickened epoxy for fillets and then paint it with a tough paint like BilgeKote. Maybe add some nonskid in the top paint.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

Sound approach. I even have the plywood! Thanks Dave.