floor support brackets?

[drs3317]

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What is the best method to connect the 2x4 floor supports for my cockpit sole? I'm using 2x4 douglas fir which has been epoxy coated. The orginal construction used 3" pieces of aluminum angle with two stainless screws each way. I was wondering if ther was another method others used. I have thought of galvanized joist hangers but still not sure which would be best.
Thanks all

[yokebutt]

Drs,

Not quite sure what you're getting at, could you elaborate? Don't know about using galvanized joist-hangers for anything on a boat, it does sound a bit aggy, but that might just be my prejudices talking.

Yoke.

[drs3317]

Yoke,
For lack of better terms, the cockpit floor which is 3/4 marine plywood is supported by 2x4s much like the floor joists in a home. Where they intersect the orginal construction was 3" pieces of aluminum angle with two ss screws each way. It seemed to be sturdy enough but I thought since the boat was built in 1980, maybe something better may be available. Just checking for other thoughts.

[dr.j]

I assume that your boat is built of wood. It is wise of you to want to change your set up if it has relied on angle brackets to support the cockpit deck beams. In wood construction, transverse deck beams rest atop the clamp and are through bolted to frame heads. Longitudinally, they rest atop and are through bolted to bulkhead mounted cleating and at transom clamp or rim timber. In larger craft, hanging knees are also utilised to provide additional deck support and hull to deck joint strength.This serves to support the decking and strengthen the hull structure. Without a solidly constructed deck, the hull would move and flex when underway thereby creating undue stresses on the deck to hull joint. Water ingress and the subsequent damage/rot is just a matter of time. In severe weather, the boat would not be able to withstand damage or the inevitable water ingress. Water flows to the lowest possible place. There are other issues to be concerned with in a storm without having to worry about flooded bilges.