Type of core material

[regidog]

I'm replacing the core plywood on the cap of my CC. Which is best to use standard or exterior plywood? What about this balsa core? Has anyone any experience with this material, and whats the advantage?

[JeffXJ]

What ever you do, make sure you use some kind of marine grade wood. Especially if your considering some kind of plywood. The difference is how effective the bond between the wood and fiberglass is. I haven't heard of anyone finding marine grade wood at a local hardware store.

Balsa is a type of wood typically used for marine applications.

[reelapeelin]

regi...check this out B4 you commit to plywood...

http://www.diabgroup.com/americas/u_literature/u_pdf_files/u_ds_pdf/H_DS_U.pdf

Hope this helps... ;) :D ...

Here's another...

http://www.us-boating.net/do-it-yourself-fiberglass-repairs.aspx

[LESTERUS]

THE NEW BOATS USE COMPOSITE MATERIALS, HOWEVER
AT THE TIME OUR BOAT WERE MADE BOAT MFG USED PLYWOOD (I DON'T THINK THE USED EXTERIOR PLYWOOD) AND IT LASTED THIS LONG, HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO KEEP THE BOAT?

LESTERUS

[Skools Out]

right Les,
the wood would last forever if we didn't drill holes in the glass around the wood which lets in water. if you seal up the wood totally and any holes seal with 5 min epoxy it should out last you keeping the boat.

[willy]

Balsa wood is not for that application, balsa is a honeycomb type structural wood used in laminates to give stiffness and rigidity while being light weight. Is has its strength under compression forces only and is only used in a laminate(inner and outer) skin, such as decks and cabin tops of large boats in particulary sailboats. Even in this application the composite core laminates are out performing them in every category, especially the suceptibilty to moisture ;)