Jim Conlin wrote:
For a kayak from lauan ply to have a hope of structural integrity and a long
life, a full glass sheathing is needed.

Unless you paint it and maintain it properly.

If quality plywood such as bs1088
okoume or even marine fir is used,

It will also fall apart if not properly coated and maintained.

taped seams are fine. For two sheets of 1/4"
ply, you'll save maybe $90 by using the lauan, but the added cost of glass and
epoxy for sheathing will eat up most of those savings.
When you consider also the greater weight of the sheathed lauan boat, the extra
time spent building it and its certainly lower resale value, the economy of
cheap plywood is no bargain.


Realistically, whether built of matchsticks or fiberglass, what is the
resale value of a homebuilt kayak?

Sometimes it is worth standing back and realizing the potential useable
life and future value of a project and to build with appropriate
materials. Built of luann, the boat will last at least 10 years and
longer if properly maintained.

That said, if it is your preference to build a boat that could be bought
for 1/2 the price... more power to you.

Ed