Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

New Option

Hey gang, I found another option but I cain't seem to get a price for it ( which usually means it is expensive). Aquatek, take a look here http://alliedveneer.com/marine_plywood/Aquatek_Marine_Ply_48_x_98-p...

is anybody familiar with it?

Cheers

Jerry

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on November 24, 2010 at 8:35am

Why not AB Marine Fir- Lawrence nailed it. Quality sucks. too many footballs, patches and surface repairs. You can usually find a couple nice sheet son the "A" face, but your "B" faces will be horrible. I managed to find 1/2" fir for my last bottom with only a single football. that football was on an edge that got cut away. so my interior bottom looks money.

You can always oil fir, and accept the fact that it will check. Since you are on a budget, this might be a solid, servicable option. I personally oil all my boat interiors. Checking = character.

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Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on November 26, 2010 at 10:25am

Aquatek is a lower grade of plywood by BS standards. I would not recommend it.

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Thompson on November 26, 2010 at 11:02am

Thanks Randy, I appreciate the advice. I have decided to use Hydrotec, even the lumber yard that carries both including Fir. recomends the hydrotec over any of the others.
Speaking of lumber yards, I just got back from a shopping trip for frame material. I'm looking for Doug. Fir. Home Depot has nothing I want to use, no fir at all They have Poplar and stuff like that. I also went to Lowes and they have some lovely Doug. fir but it is S4S and a bit under size. I didn't buy it yet. The lumber yard that carries the Hydrotec has full size DF but they tend to be pricey. They are at this web site http://www.sears-trostel.com/products/product_subcats.php?pc_id=2.
I know... Mr. Hindman used 5/8 stuff but I want the full 3/4 x 3 1/2 on account of the bevels needed. If anyone has any opinions about this (including optional lumber) please speak up. I will take all of the help I can get.

Cheers
Jerry

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on November 26, 2010 at 3:19pm

Jerry: Here in Maine some of the regular lumber yards (not the big box boys) have what is called "Spruce Decking" it is4/4- true 1" thick eastern white spruce. Has knots, but with careful layout would be good for frames. I have used it for canoes and it is a very easily worked wood- not like WO,RO or mahogany. Now then you will be keeping this DB in the garage/backyard covered for the winter and it will not be sitting in the water all summer long on a mooring. Whats wrong with using pine/spruce/hemock? Boat builders for 1000's of years used what was native to the area.- Do you think the Pilgrims used Honduras Mahogany for the shallop they landed on Pilgrim Rock in Plymouth 1620? Keep the wood well protected with paint/varnish and properly stored and it will do fine. Stay away from poplar, maple, birch- no rot resistance at all and will tend to get mildew/bluestain even if protected. Just my opionon- but then again we all have different ideas- some of which are pure BS.
Good luck- the boys will give some other thoughts I hope.