Sub-floor Rigidity Question

[Mike Trudel]

On my new aluminum hull, I plan on putting in a tamarack floor. The boat has aluminum strings going port to starboard, every 6". my question is, if I screw the plank floor to these aluminum cross stringers, will the boat become too rigid, and thus putting stress on the hull rivets?

I could make the floor so it is independent of the hull, and maintains its place through weight and framing. Which way would be superior? Thanks for your help.

 

[Derek Z]

I would go with the floating floor option with some type of clamps/blocks or adhesive to hold it down. If your set on attaching it, go with riveting the floor down with aluminum rivets. First off they will pop if pressure and stress becomes and issue quicker than screws. Also I have seen a couple of boats go awry with electrolysis on screwing into the alum frames with dissimilar metal.