Plywood?
 

I know I have asked this before, but the search has resulted in nothing.

I need to replace the wood in my fuel tank cover, just like Schools did. I don't seem to have a "local" source for marine grade plywood. Can I use something else. I plan on totally encasing it in glass.

This also brings back up the whole "which resin should I use?" thing again. West Systems resin is $88 gal at West Marine and another $30 for hardener. I can go to Lowes and pickup a gallon of Elmers (poly?) resin with hardener for $35. I would think poly would be just fine and last another 20 years if done right. Any input?

Re: Plywood?
 

prices like that, I'd go to Lowes.

Re: Plywood?
 

I know. Just want to make sure I'm doing it right the first time. I hate doing things twice.

Re: Plywood?
 

There is a grade of plywood used for form buliding, how available it is I don't know. It used to be distinguished by the outer edge being painted a burnt orange color. We have used this plywood for replacing casting decks on boats and on the ramp to the dock. One side is usually waxed heavily so as to be able to release from the poured concrete. The last time I bought it was a couple of years ago at Lowes and Homedepot. The glue in this plywood is about as good as marine grade. If you find it and use it be sure to wipe or sand off the wax before applying the resin.

Re: Plywood?
 

I think the poly resin will be fine. Don't be tempted to use the pressure treated plywood. It may not rot but it will seperate and be spongey feeling. I made that mistake replacing the floor in my trihull. :P

Re: Plywood?
 

I have used exterior ply befor and its fine, Just make sure what ever you use is for exterior!!
Coat ply with resin to seal it and you good to go!!

I am sure that poly is fine.

Re: Plywood?
 

Go to Lowes and look for a good sheet of A/C-X, preferably douglas fir. Wellcraft did it with poly the first time, so it should work the second time as well.

Re: Plywood?
 

get this from Lowes will soak up the resin and stronger than the original. don't use exterior grade. This is the plywood you want. see below.

3/4 BIRCH 7 PLY LOWES CABINET
Item # 12271 $42.95


OR


3/4" OAK 7 PLY LOWES CLASSIC
Item # 16422 $42.95

Re: Plywood?
 

You can use end-grain balsa if you can get it. *Your cover will be nice and light. Short of marine ply, I believe ACX would be the next best (I think that's what it's called). It has no knots like marine ply, but it doesn't have waterproof glue. If you encapsulate it, that shouldn't be an issue. West Marine sells boater's resin (polyester) for not very expensive.

Re: Plywood?
 

hey Fray do you want me to get you a gallon of resin from Parker? you don't want that crap called boat yard resin it won't hold up. Last gallon of builders resin i bought from Parker was either $13 or $15 with MEPK Hardner.