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Larry, Zac and Grant Build a Boat
Why Ply?

Why marine plywood? (2/28/08)

Small stitch and glue boats can be successfully build with inexpensive exterior plywood, but there are many advantages to the use of quality marine plywood.

• Marine plywood provides greater protection: a small scratch through the resin or glass, if not repaired, may expose the plywood to water. Inexpensive plywood may not last long in that case.
• Marine plywood strongly increases the resale value of your boat.
• Marine plywood is stronger and has consistent mechanical properties: no voids.
• Marine plywood is much nicer and easier to work with.
• For small boats, quality 4 mm plywood is a good substitute for the 1/4" exterior ply often specified.
• Marine plywood (except for Fir) will not check. That feature may by itself pay for the difference in cost. To get a good finish with Fir or Pine, the hull will require extra fiberglassing and large amounts of fairing compound. This is not necessary with Meranti or Okume.