Replacing Floor

[Houdini]

What's up guys,

I am about to do the floor in my '72 20' and have some questions. I have taken a look at all the photos on the site and beleive some of you guys have done this before.

What should I expect when removed? HAHA, I know that is pretty vague. The boat seems solid from underneath, so I am assuming the stringers are pretty much intact. Though it is still hard to determine until the floor is actually out. How were the original stringers in the boat? Are they hollow, glassed wood, or foam filled?

Seems like the tank is still in good shape with no signs of leaks, but another unknown until the floor is up. If it is in bad shape I would like to replace it with a tank with more capacity. It seems to run between the stringers up to the front deck where the deck steps up. Has anyone placed a bigger tank in a '20? Also, is the compartment around the feul cell filled with foam? If so, is this the only area that is foamed or is there other areas that contain the foam?

The boat was originally an i/o, but has had the transom replaced with a bracket and outboard. It had the original deck drains through the bottom of the boat, but I hated that method let alone the wet feet. These were filled and the water was diverted to the bilge area, which worked fine but I would like a nice scupper system going directly out the boat. Never had problems with the bilge area getting the diverted water (actually the boat was extremely dry), but it is peace of mind to have a self bailing system. Especially when left in the water over night. Any ideas on this (ie. scuppers through the transom). I believe this is how it is done on the new ones.

Next, what to use as the replaced floor. I was thinking about using the marine grade plywood. I have owned the boat for approx. 7 years and knew the previous owner. It has developed a slight soft spot and I do not want it getting worse and worse. What is the thickness that should be used? Also, I would like to hear opinions on the composite stuff? I am not totally set on the plywood, if the other material is worth it I will consider.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Bigshrimpin]

http://www.hermco.net/my_20.htm

This is a pretty good link to Hermco's site and his 20ft with the floor off.