Panel Material

[Jamepc]

I've been lurking for a while now and have learned a lot from you guys!<br />I'm fixing up my 17' Chris Craft Scorpion and want to replace all the vinyl covered rotted panels and engine cover with just wood covered with a 2 part varnish. Would something like oak or maple plywood sheets be suitable? What are my options? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! I have never rebuilt a boat before (just vehicles)<br /><br />Thanks!!<br />James

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Panel Material

If the panels need to curve slightly to fit contours, I would use standard plywood in 3/8", or 1/2" where more strength is needed.<br /> I would also recommend using a marine-type carpet glued to the wood vs. varnish. If the correct wood and finish is used, this would be possible, but UV light will break-down common varnish quickly. <br />If you use carpet, use oil paint thinned 50% to seal the wood, then use a proffesional grade carpet adhesive made for marine carpet. <br />No splinters, rough edges, or yellow varnish to worry about...........Good Luck!!

 

[Columbia]

Re: Panel Material

I'd use a rotary cut mahogany ply. This is not luan. Boatbuilders would have this ply. It will have greater rot resistance than birch and oak and will match the boat better IMHO. You may have to hunt for it a bit but it'd be worth it if my boat. I'd be sure to use a good marine varnish with a UV filter and keep the cover on the boat when not in use, it takes several coats of varnish to start but it would last years if covered.