Hello all,

I am in the process of changing out my vinyl for my engine hatch pad. I am figuring that the wood underneath is probably bad so I would like to know what other materials can be used. I heard of PVC foam board but not sure if that is the proper name.

Also I heard of starboard but this seems to be way more expensive than needed for this project.

Any thoughts?

When I was redoing interior on 272 I was using all starboard. It's pricey but it will last forever.

+1 on the starboard

I was kind of staying away from the starboard because of the cost, and I heard PVC board is better than treated marine wood. Where is a good place to get the starboard.

Any suggestion?

How think should it be?

If you go the Starboard route, get StarLight - a much lighter version of the same stuff. It holds screws almost as well. The PVC board is less dense, but if it's fully supported underneath will work fine. Starboard won't hold any adhesive though - the only thing that will stick to it is dirt. Maybe that's not necessary. If it needs to hold fiberglass, look at Piedmont Plastics Aquaplas V.

Thanks for the replies. I already started with marine plywood. A buddy suggested using epoxy on both sides. He said it will last just as long. The wood on the boat looks like its factory from 1996. If I can get half or even a quarter of that time . I will be ok with that.

You are looking for air expanded PVC . I replaced my panels in my formula 292, 357 and 419. All had p.t. wood and all eventually rotted. No rot with air expanded pvc. glue sticks to it, screws and staples love it. Make sure you use "monel" staples. They are rust proof while some stainless steel staples will still rust. Good luck.