Center Plank for Double PWC Trailer

John Mercier · 09-21-2021, 03:22 PM

Wet dry all the time...
Probably either an Azek or Zuri PVC decking product.
Look for a damaged stick that is discounted.

thinkxingu · 09-21-2021, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Wet dry all the time...

Probably either an Azek or Zuri PVC decking product.

Look for a damaged stick that is discounted.

I don't think PVC boards will hold my weight (240) at that span?

Will cedar?

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John Mercier · 09-21-2021, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I don't think PVC boards will hold my weight (240) at that span?

Will cedar?

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It would depend on thickness. They build a MAX that is a 2X dimension, but with a 5 foot span... I would think a double layer of the PVC (since they will come at minimum 12 feet long) would do the trick.

Layering the cedar should do the same trick... but for the most part, I have never seen a span of over 2 foot used. Not sure where to get Western Red Cedar decking currently... but I would think someone would have it.

I think the plies would be stronger than a single stick.
But light weight, waterproof/resistant, and inexpensive isn't easy to find.

thinkxingu · 09-22-2021, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Mercier

It would depend on thickness. They build a MAX that is a 2X dimension, but with a 5 foot span... I would think a double layer of the PVC (since they will come at minimum 12 feet long) would do the trick.

Layering the cedar should do the same trick... but for the most part, I have never seen a span of over 2 foot used. Not sure where to get Western Red Cedar decking currently... but I would think someone would have it.

I think the plies would be stronger than a single stick.

But light weight, waterproof/resistant, and inexpensive isn't easy to find.

If I have a moment this weekend, I might throw something temporary up to see if it would even be helpful. If so, I'll measure exactly and go from there.

Thanks for the tips!

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Dave R · 09-30-2021, 07:18 AM

Just make a T-beam out of 2x6 or 2x8 (horizontal) and 2x4 (vertical) Douglas fir, waterproof polyurethane glue, and some deck screws. The vertical part of the T goes under the horizontal part and does not need to extend all the way to the ends. The screws are mostly just clamps to hold everything together while the glue dries. It'll last for years and if/when it rots, replace it with another for a just a few bucks. Doug fir is widely available, cheap, and nearly as light as spruce, but it's nearly as strong as oak and it lasts a long time in the elements.

09-21-2021, 03:22 PM	#1
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,460 Thanks: 3 Thanked 609 Times in 503 Posts	Wet dry all the time... Probably either an Azek or Zuri PVC decking product. Look for a damaged stick that is discounted.

09-30-2021, 07:18 AM	#5
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Just make a T-beam out of 2x6 or 2x8 (horizontal) and 2x4 (vertical) Douglas fir, waterproof polyurethane glue, and some deck screws. The vertical part of the T goes under the horizontal part and does not need to extend all the way to the ends. The screws are mostly just clamps to hold everything together while the glue dries. It'll last for years and if/when it rots, replace it with another for a just a few bucks. Doug fir is widely available, cheap, and nearly as light as spruce, but it's nearly as strong as oak and it lasts a long time in the elements.