Posted by Eric W. on June 20, 2003 at 08:29:06:
In Reply to: Re: Cradle/dolly for Console Skiff posted by Dan on June 19, 2003 at 19:52:41:
Dan,
The voids can be a pain and somewhat worrisome but the ACX Douglas Fir around here is still selling for $18.80 per sheet for 3/8" so that's hard to beat. The two things that I've had to deal with are the surface veneer voids on the "C" side of the panel and the center ply voids. The surface voids are a fairly easy fix by just filling them with your extra epoxy putty you will have left over every time you make a fillet or glue something. I tried to choose ply sheets with the smallest and least amount of interior voids I could find. I was worried about breakage in the forward planking (due to interior voids) but I had no problem bending the panels using the "hot water & towel" method as suggested on this site - which you would have to use with any plywood. I have been filling the center ply voids that are visible from the cut edges with epoxy just by pouring it in. There really aren't all that many and for this particular boat, I don't think it will be a problem. Even so, If I find a decent deal on real Marine ply for my next boat I will consider spending the extra money. We'll see.
On a related topic, another CS builder, Don Bernard, suggested that I purchase 1/2" plywood for the floor panels. I haven't installed the floor yet but I'm glad I did buy the 1/2" because with the way plywood is "scant" these days (1/32 shy on thickness) I think it will make a stronger floor.
: Eric,
: Thanks for pointing out the 2x4s. I didn't notice them at first. I'll have to find that reference in the instructions.
: Are you concerned at all about internal voids in the hull panels? Believe it or not, I live 15 miles from the Massachusetts ocean coast and it is difficult to find marine plywood. I too have considered good quality exterior (very available and less $$), but I am concerned about internal voids. I did find a plywood dealer in Maine (Maine Coast Lumber) that will deliver any order over $200 to my door for a $8 (yes, that is eight dollars) packing charge. They carry many marine grades of plywood, but marine ply is not cheap. I am considering $35 DF (3/8") or $43 BS1088 Meranti (3/8"). I may split the difference and use marine ply for the hull/keel panels and then good exterior for the rest.
: Thanks,
: Dan