Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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No, it's actually 3/4 inch regular exterior grade plywood. Marine would be good, but it's expensive and hard to find sometimes. I plan on encapsulating the entire piece in mat and resin, so it will never be exposed to any moisture.

The secret is to seal the edges of the plywood with resin first, that is where water can enter the plys, then after you get the plywood in place put a layer or two of mat and resin over the top, and more on the bottom.

I did my '27 this same way nearly 20 years ago, and it sat in many rains for 7 of those years (guys at work used to joke I needed a bilge pump in it ) and the floor is as solid today as when I first did it.

Yeah, I did work in the marine business for a long time (and that is probably where I will go back to for the next job) and it is surprising that even boat builders don't usually use marine grade on things like transoms, and bulkheads. I guess high end boats may, but not the average family boat, even some with very good reputations. My SeaRay had lots of particle board in it, believe it or not.

The first fiberglass car I ever did was my '27, and was determined to do it the very best way possible, using marine grade plywood, biaxial cloth, hi tech resins, etc. A good friend of mine, who is a top notch fiberglass guy steered me away, telling me just what I said above, that most boats don't use or need this stuff. Ended up he was right, and it saved me lots of money.

Good question though.


Don