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Post by 66saint on May 21, 2005 7:30:52 GMT 10
I have spent the last couple of days speaking with trade’s people about plywood and its uses. I thought I would report my conclusions in case anyone finds this info useful.
I started out with the firm belief that using marine ply was my only option. The best info I got was from a boat builder who explained that on marine craft, marine ply need only be used below the waterline because it is designed to be submerged in salt water. Plywood boats don't rot beneath the waterline because salt water prevents the spores that cause wood rot from taking hold. He said, (and this was backed up by the manufacturer) that marine ply is denser in construction than other plywood and resisted absorption better when submerged. Marine ply, I was told would last longer than lesser grades of ply in a submerged state and therefore should be always used for this purpose.
Above the waterline, where our caravans are the plywood is exposed to rainwater, marine ply these days has no longer life expectancy than a good quality hardwood ply because it will rot just the same. The correct sealing techniques and products will extend the life of plywood exposed to rainwater better than the choice of marine grade.
It comes down to the price of the two products. A sheet of good quality non marine grade ply costs a bit less than half that of marine ply. My investigations have me leaning toward investing in good quality sealants and saving with non marine ply.
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Post by Roehm3108 on May 21, 2005 16:49:42 GMT 10
Hi Hi I assume you've read the thread "help w/- Reskinning", where this subject was aired. As I said there, personally, I think you get what you pay for. I have a personal preference for the marine ply, if only for its closer grain, and will be using that when I decide to reskin my Chesney. What's also important is the budget you're working with. As long as you have done your research (which you have, both here and elsewhere), and you are happy with your decision, then that's all that matters. So, good luck with your project, whatever you decide to use. Where are the pics? ?? Cheers Ray
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Post by 66saint on May 21, 2005 21:42:55 GMT 10
Hi Ray, Yeh, and guess what I do for a job The old saying that plumbers always have leaking dunnies! I am a press photographer, but do you think I ever take the time to shoot pix for myself I agree with you and did see that thread and read it with interest, even quoting it when discussing the subject. I just felt good about sharing some research with the group rather than always asking questions. I have a sneaking suspicion that had I gone to the experts saying I wanted an alternative to Marine Ply they would have given me all the reasons why I should use it rather than visa versa.
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