David,
Hayden is right.
The floor is in two parts, the 3/4" teak and holly plywood, then a sub floor which appears to be 3/4" wood and fibreglass. The two floors are glued and screwed together, and are difficult to seperate. The sub floor is structural, and should not be permemently removed, I guess you could cut out a section as Hayden suggests, and then replace it, securing it back in place with glue and screws. But I wouldn't do this just to inspect the tanks- its just too much work. You could obtain one of those new fibre optic inspection tools designed for just such an inspection. They retail for about $200 over here, and I am sure you could rent such an inspection tool.
Re the tanks, they give me nightmares! But based on feedback on this forum, it is only the waste tank that gives trouble and needs replacement. The fuel tank and water tank seem to last forever. I would not remove the subfloor just to inspect the tanks.
I would remove the inspection plate from the top of the fuel tank, and ensure that there is no residual water in the bottom of the tank. If there is any water in there , then I encourage you to remove it. In this way, you are decreasing the likelyhood of a fuel tank leak. It is the small amount of water that corrodes the fuel tank, not the fuel. Pure fuel is a hydrocarbon, and will not corrode a metal. Usually, there is an inspection plate in the water tank as well, I suggest you remove that, and vacuum out any lose dirt, sand or rust in the water tank.
Regarding the new 1/4" veneer. You might consider putting one coat of varnish on it just as it comes from the supply store- before you bring it to the boat. In this way, you will seal the surface and keep it clean. Thus voiding any stains or dirt becoming ingrained in the surface while you are installing it...
Please let me know how you make out, I need to do mine!
