How long do wood decks last?

[wijames]

I just got a 2000 Sylvan Elite and even though I can't find any soft spots, I'm wondering if I should think about replacing the deck. Opinions?

[HandymanHerb]

Mine was 24 years old and still good, we used all the old stuff for something, I only replaced mine because we were going for a brand new toon when we finished rebuilding.


So if it's not soft leave it there and keep using it, it might go bad in 10 years or maybe not.

[Bamaman]

Keep it out of the rain, and they can last 25 years. I have a 1985 Starcraft, and the original plywood's still good except for the last 3' where rain blew in my boathouse.

Some of the toon companies switched to aluminum only to return back to marine plywood. Plywood is structurally sound, and makes for a stronger boat.

[rancherlee]

Keep it out of the rain, and they can last 25 years. I have a 1985 Starcraft, and the original plywood's still good except for the last 3' where rain blew in my boathouse.

Some of the toon companies switched to aluminum only to return back to marine plywood. Plywood is structurally sound, and makes for a stronger boat.

I replaced the original floor on my pontoon 2 years ago as part of the rebuild, the original owner left it out in the wind/rain/snow with no cover for over 20 years and it only had 2 small soft spots.

[RcgTexas]

That wood is some good stuff. I am re-decking mine for the rebuild and it needed it. It had been left out when I purchased it, I used it for five years and I thought it might be rotten. It could not hold any flooring , but when I removed it 3/4 of the 3/4 sheet was solid as a rock. I will be using it for deer stand floors.