re: ISO Aluminum plate ( Boat pictures added)

Just a few observations from my experience with this kind of project.

My brother has a SeaArk aluminum center console with screwed down aluminum floor plate. He lost some screws, so I called SeaArk to find out what they used and they said 410 stainless. I never really saw a lot of galvanic activity at the screw holes, just lost some from vibration.

Make sure your pilot bit is sized correctly or the screws will gall so bad you will break them off going in. I also think there is a lubricant you can use on the screws that will help. I've seen it used on aluminum conduit to prevent galling.

His deck plate is smooth plate but appears to be coated with a non skid bed liner like material. If you went that direction you could roll it on the top of the ribs too. Will hold down on the metal to metal contact and noise from vibration. Diamond plate is nice for the grip, but a pain to screw down. The raised grips may force you to put screws in spots that aren't ideal.

To echo someone's comment about the ribs cracking through the screw holes, I have see that happen a lot on lighter built boats. That SeaArk has really heavy ribs. If your boat has light weight ribs, I would be cautious. Good luck!

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If you still want to put aluminum plating down, get some truck bed liner and roll that on the top and bottom. It will help keep it cool and help with vibration.

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This helps too

i think as of right now I will probably go with the foam and rubber.I sure don't want to have to worry about the screws vibrating out.

Glad to have asked the question here. Ya'll made me really think about this.

Personally I would lay foam between those stringers and then go with thin exterior plywood but paint it with deck sealer mixed with sand for nonslip or bedliner like wick said. Wont need thick stuff if you have foam for support. Nothing wrong with aluminum there though if you're set on it, a narrower boat wont experience as much hull flex and vibration. Plus you may be able to lay some weather stripping on the stringers to dampen the vibration.

Thanks for getting that posted. I do like the foam with plywood or rubber mat on top. it wouldn't get as hot during the summer months. Although the rubber mat that i seen is black and that may reflect some heat

Yep, there's no one perfect or right way to do it, but we expect pics when it's done!

Aluminum Stainless is expensive. Call Bayou Metal Supply. They also deliver free. 985-643-3340

Also, McMaster Carr website for your hard to find hardware. They have aluminum and stainless self tapping screws.