SIB floor insert project...

[Canada Bob]

I have a SeaBright 380 SIB {12ft} with an aluminum floor but I'd like to reduce the weight and add a degree of comfort by replacing the floor with a V shaped insert made from a foam core sealed with fibre glass and gel coat.

Has anyone gone down this path ?

The standard aluminum floor gives the rigidity, but it's hard on the knees when you want to stay low in the boat, so an insert as described above, with a top cover of low density closed cell foam as a cushion should be an improvement in comfort, less weight in the boat without any loss of rigidity, and with a greater degree of comfort on the deck.

Other than the above, here's a link to the SeaBright web site, not sure how their prices compare to prices in the UK...

http://www.seabrightmarine.ca/

Canada Bob

[jyasaki]

You're talking about your weight, on about 2 x what, 8 square inches (knee contact area), at whatever rate it's slowed by the flooring. I doubt low density foam is going to make any difference at all. You should probably be looking more along the lines of a solid rubber material.

jky

[prairie tuber]

I'm not sure why you don't just get some high density foam padding to place on top of the aluminum floorboard where you would be kneeling or sitting.

[m chappelow]

i have a foam mattrass that came with my old inshore lifeboat ,its 2inch thick closed cell foam bit like neoprean wet suit material with a hypalon face on one side , bit on the heavy side but great if out in lumpy seas,also makes the boat feel more solid ,no rattles or creaks ,it can be used as a floatation raft if needed too ,the cut out down one side is for the sausage flexi fuel bladder to fit in , regards mart.

[dim.]

I would say go to Home Depot. For 50$ you can get Professional Gel Knee Pads.
And less weight in the boat is not always a good thing.