Running 5 2x2 stringers on a 2054 with a 3/16 bottom. The rest of the boat is 1/8, the floor is screwed down to the stringers and the screws keep coming loose. Do I need to weld the floor to the stringers and add crossbracing to strengthen it? When I am on big water I can see the floor flexing. Do I jus weld the cross bracing to the floor and stringers and sides? Thanks guys

You definatly need cross braces. Alot of people put the cross braces in before the floor and weld them to the stringers. Then run your floor to the cross braces.

I've had good luck with 3/16 ss rivets to put the floor down. But I've also seen people cut slits in the floor and weld them down to the stringers. I've tried drilling holes in the floor and weld them down but they just break.


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How often do I need crossbracing? It would be easy to pull the floor and add it flush with the stringers. Is that what I need to do?

That's what I would do so it is welded to your braces. If not it would just be welded to the floor and wouldn't have the strength. I have 4 in my 2048. One in the back under the hunt deck, one where the rake begins and two in between.


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You have a pic of the recessed bracing? Or is this how u recommend doing it?

From just looking at the cross bracing in that pick it seems they would be more effective sitting on top of the stringers. Some manufacturers started using bracing all the way up the sides because the welds were breaking under heavy commercial use where they are welded to the sides. This displaced the stress across larger area. But I don't know shit.

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I don't see how you guys keep sides from flexing without knee braces tying to the sides, unless you have some real stout catwalks?

Catwalks and 1/2 pipe.

Crimps catwalks welded floors

I have 4 inch catwalks...so am I better off with recessed bracing or full length on top of stringers? If I'm gonna go on top of stringers I would do knee bracing as well. It may not look the best but u can always use those knee braces to hang push poles and spud poles on...and it looks damn strong to me.

You have a crimp in the sides?

this boat will have 3" catwalks along with the 2" gunnel caps along with the extruded braces. I will have no side bracing other than the crimp catwalks horizontal extruded braces and a rod/gun box on the left side.

Yes my side crimp looks just like yours...

My 2048 has performance crimp just like these in the pictures and it needs side bracing. But I have nothing tying into the sides (gun box or seat).


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Mine are recessed also. With my little one in my rig, the bracing isn't sticking up for them to trip on.

I really like the looks of the recessed bracing but I can see where the bracing on top should be stronger...esp if u tie it into the sides. I dont have half pipe down the sides...all the wiring is inside the catwalk. I wanted an open boat except for the rear storage pods, But i may go ahead and add a gunbox to one side, this should add support too. If I recess the bracing and add a gunbox to both sides how much support si that gonna add vs just putting crossbracing on top and weldn them and being done with it?

Just as strong or stronger bc your bracing a bigger section of gunwale

So I need to just add some recessed bracing...what's everyone's consensus on the welded vs rivets vs screwed floor?

Rivets get loose and rattle but they're ok if you think you'll need to access the under carriage. Screws... Lol no. Welded is what I'm about to finish up doing on the rig I'm building soon as I finish this el post o

I weld the edges and rivet every thing in the middle. No screws. And if done right welded works good and leaves a smooth good liking floor.


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Do u just drill and hole and weld it up then grind it a little bit?

1" holes with this

Cut slits with a skill saw

I've never had a problem with rivets coming loose on any of Brothers boats.

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wat kinda rivets he use? i figured the 3/16 ss would b good to go