Wood Core versus Composite cores ......

[Scott]

Interesting little article on Wood vs. Composite cores
See article

More support for the "Wood is Good" Theory !!!
Note the last sentence on the first page [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Plus read the second page on Cold-molding. Notice towards the end of the article :
Method of manufacture / weight / strength ratios …interesting and further support for wood.

A little FWIW
I talked to Greenwood (real nice people to talk to ) over a year ago ….but felt ( given the extra cost, and at that time, the hassle of acquiring a sheet or two as the closest dealer in the east was over 500 miles away) properly handled/prepped plywood would suffice. I can see Boat manufacturers using this stuff …why not I would (got the impression many pontoon boat builders used it for floor and deck work). The warranty thing looks nice ….but my interpretation after discussion with them is they will only replace the plywood, which makes sense ….guess who pays for the thousands of dollars, in the case of a transom, tear down and reconstruction. So IF there is problems who cares about the minimal cost of the plywood. I still have end grain balsa and plywood that looks new after 28 years. As long as holes and such are properly repaired and sealed the core is in great shape. If I could get this stuff at a mill shop or lumberyard and it wasn’t over the top in cost vs. say a sheet of marine grade I’d use it … but at the time that wasn’t the case.

just an opinion !!!

[cSickNick]

Note the last sentence on the first page [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Scott, the last paragraph on the first page covers it!

Great article!

Wood is goooooood, Wool is gooooood ...... it's natural!!! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[joey]

There is a reason the finest sportfishing boats in the world are still built out of wood(merritt,rybovich,and whiticar to name just afew).

[bjfg144]

I always believed wood was a superior in strength. But some of the new composites coming out. Have me wondering that wood is good. But, the composites put in the right areas of the boat will strengthen the boat without the extra weight. I know in certain areas of the boat wood is required. But seeing some panel of composite with fiberglass already attached to it makes a strong product. I know some of the best boats like Rybovich are still made out of wood. The rich are the only ones that can afford a Rybo,etc. and the upkeep is so much more. I feel I rather have a fiberglass boat in saltwater.

John

[Ikan Besar]

we are all talking about fiberglass, the distinction is what is sandwiched between it...

the various core materials are notably lighter, the wood is the historical norm. I think good points have been made that there is merit in both methods when used correctly [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[FELLOW-SHIP]

When I did my boat in 2001 I did the whole thing (cap, deck, transom) with Marine Grade plywood and epoxy. At that time, I simply did not have enough confidence in the newer materials to place my trust in them, and I knew that wood laminated boats are heavier and tend to just ride better. I still have some concerns that, one day (if I live long enough) I will have to re do the transom again, as for the rest of the boat I can’t see how I would ever have to do any lamination work again. I will say that SeaCrafts really have a great ride to them and my wood laminated boat has a fantastic ride. I have had several comments from several people say that my 23 ‘ boat “rides better” than many 25-27 footers they have been on. My concern for the newer laminations is no longer there and if I had to do it again I would use the newer materials for a few reasons. First the transom can and probably will get water into it just because of all those wholes we drill in them plus the vibrations that come from the motor, to me it’s just a matter of time. Another reason has to do with resale of the boat. I hope I will never see the day that I sell my boat But sooner or later either I, or my wife After I’m Dead Will Sell My Boat and any boat with no wood in the transom will be more desirable to a new owner that a boat built in 1977 with a wooden rebuilt transom that’s just how it is. As for the ride I think wood is and will always be better.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]