Is Exterior plywood ok for an Imp?

C4thprimeau · Post by **C4thprimeau** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:06 pm

I'm planning on building an Imp with my kids that we can carry around on our camper trailer. Is it ok to build this out of exterior plywood? I can't find marine grade wood local. I'm planning on painting it, not bright finish. It will probably see rough duty at the hands of my kids. Any thoughts?

John Bowen · Post by **John Bowen** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 5:17 pm

You could, but.................

http://www.noahsmarine.com/html/canada.html

C4thprimeau · Post by **C4thprimeau** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:04 am

Thanks John. I'm actually about 3 1/2 hrs from Noahs. I realize the marine ply would better. I'm curious as to the difference in durability between the two. What makes marine plywood different from exterior grade? I'm new to this.

Dan

John Bowen · Post by **John Bowen** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 11:46 am

Dan,

Have been thru the Wood&Plywood section/posts? Lots of good reading there.

But, in short.
Marine ply has no viods, where ext-ply will
Marine ply has more vaneer layers than ext-ply, in same thickness
Marine ply has waterproof glue, ext-ply, well, your never sure(todays)
Marine ply has/is stronger than ext-ply, per square
Marine ply has only one down fall, Price

But, listen, if this build is, "for now", then by all means, the use of ext-ply is good enofe. Epoxy all and glass outer hull with 4 or 6oz cloth, you'd be good to go.

C4thprimeau · Post by **C4thprimeau** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:19 pm

I think I'll take a road trip to Noah's. I didn't realise there was that big a difference. Thank's! I'm sure I'll have more questions shortly once I start the build, I'm not a very experienced carpenter(my dad would call me more of a "wood butcher").

Dan

John Bowen · Post by **John Bowen** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:43 pm

Dan,

I scratched this post because of Drew's posting.

At the prices he's given, it's wroth the trip. Just be sure to make up a list of all the woods ya need.

Let us know how ya made out and don't forget about the C&C if ya don't already have such.

Drew · Post by **Drew** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:13 am

If you haven't searched around for wood in your area ill just give you a heads-up that noahs is by far the cheapest around. They sell nice philipean mahogany for $5.95 a foot and Meranti 6mm 5 ply for $48.95. They also deliver if you aren't up for the ride there and back.

C4thprimeau · Post by **C4thprimeau** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:16 pm

Drew,
Thanks, I've actually found out my nieghbour that makes cedar strip canoes goes down to Noah's fairly regularly. He's going to pick up my materials next time he goes. I have to tell you your boat looks awsome.