Thinkin about building a deck extension...

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:18 pm

to put in the Ranger. Any ideas on what to build it with? I am thinking marine plywood and PT 1x4's, then cover with carpet. I am wondering about how to secure it to the boat. Any ideas would be appreciated.

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:36 pm

There are numerous marine grade epoxy glues that should do the trick..Of course you could always use screws of some sort seeing as how they should all be on the inside of the boat and shouldn't threaten the structural integrity..

mac

Jason C. · Post by **Jason C.** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:39 pm

Gator how ever you do it I say put in a speaker for that empty space. That way you wont have to worry about your radio falling out of the boat or anything like that. Just a suggestion.

drrakruz · Post by **drrakruz** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:55 pm

Gator,
Do yourself a favor and have Ranger Boats do it. I had one made for me and it cost about $200. Fit like a glove and keeps me from breaking my neck by falling in to the walkway!!! Well worth the money and saved me a lot of time and headaches.
i'm tellin' you man, if your schedule is anything lilke mine, it's worth it to have them do it for you. All you have to do is drill a few holes for the hardware and fasten the deck with 3 screw-knobs.

Ranger's number is 800-724-7273. Ask for Scott Rector. He is the best Ranger parts man they have. I've been dealing with him for over 5 years. Those guys in Flippin, Arkansas really take care of their boat owners!

LEN B · Post by **LEN B** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:18 pm

Gator Try this.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ranger-B ... 5480QQrdZ1

492slayer · Post by **492slayer** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:51 pm

Gator, I don't know what model Ranger you have, but I built a sweet one for my 492VS that cost me about $70. Ranger wanted $560 for their version
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... 3DJu0asWPA
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... 3DJu0asWPA
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... 3DJu0asWPA
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... 3DJu0asWPA

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:55 pm

492Slayer - That is EXACTLY what I am looking to do - mine is a 362V - where did you get the base material?

492slayer · Post by **492slayer** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 10:20 pm

Gator, I used 5/8" Marine Grade Plywood and 1X2 white fir. It took me a couple hours to put it all together. First I took all the measurements (Allowing for the carpet) and cut the plywood to size. I ran a strip down the center and on each side, then set up the "honeycomb" pattern with the 1X2's. Everything was connected using Galvanized drywall screws. After I made sure it fit, I used fiberglass resin to coat both sides really good (Keeps the moisture out). I let it dry overnight, then gave it another light coat over areas that didn't get covered well. I used contact cement and heavy duty staples to secure the carpet. After it was all complete, I sprayed the underside with undercoating to give it a nice look. The extension lays on the three sides that make up the storage and rod lockers. Where I used the double thickness of plywood, it allowed the extension to sit perfectly flush with the top of the lockers. I originally had some velcro holding the deck in place, but it doesn't go anywhere even when I'm running 75mph across the lake or in heavy seas. The thing I like most is that I have complete access and storage underneath, I just raise it up when I need to. WHere are you located, I might be able to bring it by for you to see. One other thing... I've lost 30#, but when I was at 290, I had no flex at all with the extension.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:23 am

Gator,
You can order pressure treated plywood. Not that expensive, and you don't have to glass it.
3/4" plywood will span that distance. We use it for sub-floors in houses. Just run the face grain across from side to side. That way, it will be more rigid.
If you double it with gorilla glue and screws, you can park a truck on it.
Go to a marine supply and buy stainless screws. That way, if you use a heavy gauge aluminum angle as a support, the screws won't eat up the aluminum, like galvanized screws would.
You should be able to do it all, including the carpet, for less than $100.
Personally, I'd experiment with a single layer of 3/4" plywood first. Even if it flexes a little, it won't fail, and that way the deck extension will be light enough not to hurt you back if and when you want to remove it for anything.