I work in a shipyard where we do a lot of yacht work. We use a lot of sheet
PVC for structural applications such a decking and stringers whee they are
subject to weather exposure which has gotten me to wondering. I have wanted
to build a small stitch & glue runabout. Has anyone either any experience or
knowledge how sheet PVC would compare to plywood in a hull sheathing
application. I have looked at the PVC material specs for the various
thicknesses and they seem to compare fairly equally to their plywood equal.
Any comments?

It is a good idea. It may outlast plywood. Can we get the right stuff to
glue the seams together?
PVC welding rods are not dependable for water tight seams.


"Dennis Carpenter" wrote in message
. ..
I work in a shipyard where we do a lot of yacht work. We use a lot of sheet
PVC for structural applications such a decking and stringers whee they are
subject to weather exposure which has gotten me to wondering. I have
wanted
to build a small stitch & glue runabout. Has anyone either any experience
or
knowledge how sheet PVC would compare to plywood in a hull sheathing
application. I have looked at the PVC material specs for the various
thicknesses and they seem to compare fairly equally to their plywood
equal.
Any comments?

Ain't nothin structural about PVC. It weathers well, period.
To equal the strength or stiffness of wood or plywood will take roughly the
same thickness of PVC, AT TWICE THE WEIGHT.
In small boats, weight matters and PVC as a primary structural material
would be most unsatisfactory.



"Dennis Carpenter" wrote in message
. ..
I work in a shipyard where we do a lot of yacht work. We use a lot of
sheet
PVC for structural applications such a decking and stringers whee they are
subject to weather exposure which has gotten me to wondering. I have
wanted
to build a small stitch & glue runabout. Has anyone either any experience
or
knowledge how sheet PVC would compare to plywood in a hull sheathing
application. I have looked at the PVC material specs for the various
thicknesses and they seem to compare fairly equally to their plywood
equal.
Any comments?