Ed Edelenbos wrote in message ...
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


I have been for years an advocate of luan (only type III exterior) and
only if inspected very carefully both visually, and by running your
hand over it to listen for voids. I have recently started using only
okoume... if you can find it cheap enough the ease of work, the fair
bending, the easier to maintain finish, the extra strength, and did I
mention, because of the characteristics of the wood used, it is a lot
easier to work with... Personally, I have nothing against cheap
plywood, it is how I got started... but now with experience, I have
given up using it pretty much all together and I have not had a hull
crack under construction at an unseen void in years (trust me, the
first time it happens, you will curse your luan. Everyone touts the
money savings with cheap ply... but that is not my issue. All in all,
in every way, the okoume is a pleasure to work with and will in the
long run save you much time and energy... So on a two sheet skiff, you
might save 100 bucks but if you can build it a whole lot faster and
easier, the $ savings don't mean much.
Scotty from SmallBoats.com
Did I mention that Mahogany is a lot easier to work with than fir for
the trim and seats??? ) Flame suit.... ON....