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1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Leather, Tolex or Russaloid. Linoleum or black rubber matting. If it's in the cockpit or in the cabin, post your questions and answers here.

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tyalexander
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1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by tyalexander » Mon Jan 29, 2018 1:32 pm

Hello,
I am restoring a 1954 17' Sportsman that I purchased with no flooring in it. Does anyone know what type of plywood and or thickness that should be used for the floor? Any help or pictures of a floor and interior would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Ty

krrs
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by krrs » Mon Jan 29, 2018 9:06 pm

I also have a '54 Sportsman 17'. Just finished repainting the bilge. Have all the flooring out. I can take a few pics and supply any measurements you may need.
Cheers,
Ken.

tyalexander
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by tyalexander » Tue Jan 30, 2018 10:21 am

Thanks Ken,
I'd be happy to take pictures of mine too if you need anything. Do you what thickness plywood was used in the floor originally?
-Ty

krrs
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by krrs » Tue Jan 30, 2018 2:29 pm

We had a snow storm today so I will be digging out when I get home but will measure the ply thickness in the next day or two. Will install the floor panels and take pics individually to give you an idea where they join per frame. Will get you exact dimensions and pics of the seat supports front and rear. Do you have the seat frames and engine box?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHjws-lJ5Cg

tyalexander
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by tyalexander » Tue Jan 30, 2018 3:55 pm

I do have seat frames, backs, and engine box. Thank you for your help.

krrs
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by krrs » Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:21 am

OK. Finally got around to it. Below are a few pics of the side floor board. Now I do not know if the floor in this boat is original, but everything fits good. The floor board is 3/8" plywood, I am presuming a good quality marine grade. Someone else may know if it should be 1/2" but I am quite happy with the 3/8. No spring board effect...a good solid floor so I see no need to add extra weight to the boat. Picture shows the starboard side seat brackets in place and another picture of the seat bracket dimensions. Front flooring is of thicker plywood. I will install those and supply more pics/details in the next few days. Any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Ken.

krrs
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by krrs » Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:24 am

Pics did not download. Will try to figure it out.

krrs
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by krrs » Sat Feb 03, 2018 12:05 pm

Do not know why, but am unable to download the pics to this site. Below is my email address. Reply and I can send the pics that way if you like.

[email protected]

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Don Danenberg
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by Don Danenberg » Sat Feb 03, 2018 5:19 pm

Wow, 3/8" cockpit sole?
I don't think so?
Most postwar were 5/8", Doug Fir, marine plywood. (they don't market 5/8" anymore).
Possibly 1/2" Doug Fir for less expensive models like the 17-Sportsman, but much deflection there?

3/8" wouldn't last long under my weight?

krrs
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by krrs » Sat Feb 03, 2018 6:22 pm

It is the long piece of plywood that runs both sides along the engine. Not sure if that is what is called the cockpit sole. I am sure you are correct that is was originally thicker. Boat was restored in 1991 and plywood has no deflection or anything that would make me think I should upgrade. Frames are only 12" apart(and that area is 18" wide) so plenty of support for the floor. I am not recommending it, just stating what I have.
Thanks for the clarifying what it should be.
Cheers,
Ken.

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Don Danenberg
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Re: 1954 17' Sportsman Flooring

Post by Don Danenberg » Thu Feb 08, 2018 6:58 pm

Hey, You could be right there, on 3/8" sole for the 17-Sportsman!

I had recently restored a 1956, 20-ft Sportsman, and the original, plywood, cockpit sole was 1/2".
I hadn't worked on a 17-Sportsman in 25-years.

I spoke to a friend, and fellow restorer, who owns a mid-fifties, 17-Sportsman, and he confirmed 3/8", plywood, sole.
He reminded me how that model's bottom framing was so different than any other CC Boats, that they should have stuck with it.
Bottom frames are cut from a single piece of 4/4, some to 15" wide, NOT two bottom frames, a frame-tie, and two frame-knees, all screwed together. This also included the top of that frame, athwartships, to support the sole.

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