I would like to know more about poplar plywood.
We did build a small test boat from it (our FL11) and in the shop it looks
like a great material.
It is light and strong, does not split, bends well and absorbs resin quite
well, a very good point for epoxy encapsulated boats.
It is a renewable resource and inexpensive.
The mechanical characteristics are perfect for our applications.
Several professional kayak builders and WEST Systems speak favorably of
poplar. I am certain that it is great plywood for small skiffs, kayaks,
canoes etc. That point is granted.
It may work for some of our sport fishing designs too but here comes the
question:
How is the resistance to rot and the moisture intake when used in a boat
that stays in the water for long periods of time? I am looking at hulls that
are completely epoxy saturated and fiberglassed, where the plywood is a
core, not plain wooden boats.
I just fiberglassed some scrap poplar plywood, will paint the samples and
sink them under my dock for a few months to measure changes but I would love
to hear from builders with real world experience.
Does anybody have a boat build from poplar plywood and how is it doing?
Serious answers only please: no flames from "know-it-all" people claiming
that this a stupid idea etc.
I did my research and compiled a good amount of data about it. No need to
tell me that there are different types of poplar, populus and tulipifera or
what the bending moment is. What I don't have is information about boats
build with that material.

Thank you in advance.

--
Jacques
http://www.bateau.com