Coosa Board Frequently Asked Questions
When replacing plywood decking, what thickness should I use?
The Short Answer:
Bluewater 26 Coosa Board can be used as an exact replacement for any plywood decking as long as you use the same thickness installed in the same way (i.e. if your plywood was glassed over, so should your Coosa).
The Long Answer:
If for some reason you would like to use a different thickness or install the material in a different fashion, there are a variety of things to consider:
- What is the current span width between supports?
- How is the material installed? (If glassed over, the fiberglass is adding additional rigidity)
- Is the load spread over a panel or a point load?
- How is the panel supposed at the edges? Is there a 1/2", 1"...6" overlap?
- Does the panel need to support an impact load? (Think 350 lb guy jumping off a 5 ft. dock with an ice chest full of beer!)
- How is the board installed? Rigid bonded at the edges or free floating?
All of these factors need to be taken into consideration before a decision can be made on thickness. Boat builders pay a team of engineers to take all of these complex factors into consideration. We therefore recommend leveraging their decision and using the same thickness installed in the same fashion whenever possible.
If you are set on changing the thickness and installation method, please keep in mind that if you make changes that decrease the structural integrity of your deck you will need to make this up somehow. (i.e. if you choose not to fiberglass both sides of the floor, even though your original plywood was, perhaps you need to add additional braces of a stiffener to your span width).
How do I install Coosa Board?
One does not need to change lamination methods to incorporate Coosa Boards into their application. One simply can install the board as you would plywood or material being replaced using the same methods and tools.
How do I cut Coosa Board? Can you cut the board to my specific size and shape?
You can cut Coosa Board using any standard woodworking tools. Please make sure to take the same precautions (eye protection, gloves, dust mask, etc.) as you would when cutting plywood.
We are willing to cut your Coosa Board to any required size and shape. Please note that an engineering charge and/or a cut charge may apply depending on the shape of your pattern.
How do I use Coosa Board for decking?
You simply install the Coosa Board as you would plywood using the suggestions above. Many people have simply installed the Coosa Board and adhered carpet directly over the Coosa Board using their favorite adhesive.
Do I have to fiber-glass in the Coosa Board?
You do not have to fiber-glass in the board to prevent absorption of water/liquid; however, glassing the board also adds strength. Therefore, if you choose not to glass in (and your original decking was glassed), you will have to compensate for that loss of strength.
Is Coosa Board UV Stabilized?
Coosa Board is not UV Stabilized. With time, the boards will change color when exposed to sunlight. We recommend that Coosa Board be either glassed over, carpeted over, or painted with a latex or enamel paint.
What types of resin are compatible with Coosa Board?
All typical marine resins work with Coosa Board, including epoxy, vinyl ester and polyester resins.
I see elsewhere online a Nautical Coosa Board. What is the difference and is it available?
Bluewater Coosa Board contains continuous strand glass and woven roven fiberglass, while Nautical Coosa Board only contain continuous strand glass.
Therefore, Bluewater is significantly more rigid and is recommended for all structural applications. If your application is not structural (bulkhead, cabinet, etc.) then Nautical is a good alternative and more cost effective than Bluewater.
Boat Outfitters does not currently carry Nautical Coosa board; however, please let us know if you are interested as we always adjusting our inventoried material.
How does Coosa Board Ship?
It depends on the size piece you are ordering. If you order either a full sheet (96" x 48") or a half sheet (48" x 48"), it will have to ship freight. We are happy to get freight shipping quotes if you will send us your zip code and destination type (either commercial or residential). Please note that with freight shipping commercial addresses are significantly less expensive to ship to.
If you are ordering a third of a sheet (48" x 32"), then your piece can ship UPS. UPS shipping costs will vary based on location but will always be considerably less expensive than freight shipping.
For the price conscious customer who needs a full sheet, please consider having your sheet cut into thirds. (3 pieces - 48" x 32"). This will allow your order to ship UPS and save you shipping costs.
When will my order ship?
Everything listed on the website is in stock available to ship. Our standard lead time is 2-3 days for Coosa Board.