What type of Plywood?

[MarkJ]

I need to replace the cabin wall in my 71 Seafari. The panel that is there now is some type of plywood laminated on one side. Do I need to buy marine plywood or can I use a regular type wood with finished sides? I plan on painting it white with an automotive grade paint to seal it. Also looking for ideas for a cabin door and a place to buy what I need that is local to Brockton, MA. Thanks

[Bryan A.]

For some interior panels on my boat I used regular old Luan from the HD. The same stuff they use to level floors in 1/4" thickness. I laminate it to the thickness I need. The advantage is it is skinned with a low grade Mohaghany and actually looks pretty good when covered with Cetol. Bonus is it costs about $12 a sheet and is void free, just a thought. A little labor intensive but I think you end up with a quality piece of wood that is very stable. I used Epoxy to laminate but you wouldn't have too. Check it out.

[joseeli8797]

I dont know about other ply woods but marine grade plwood is A/B firr it is smooth on both sides you can get A/C firr (half the price) and it is still exterior grade same as marine but only smooth on one side. I hope that helps. Jose

[Water Rat]

One place to try in Mass. is Boulter Plywood (24 Broadway, Somerville, MA). I'm not sure how competitive their pricing is, but I have bought both solid teak and marine ply with teak veneer laminated on both sides from them, and was very happy with the quality of the stock. Good luck.

[75bodine]

If you are going to use plywood impregnated with resin and use fiberglass for strength and to avoid delamination with a damp environment, use Fir plywood. Fiberglass will stick to Fir. I recommend using a good grade of oil based primer to raise the grain, sand, apply a second coat, then your color coat, all of good oil based paint. If you're considering a two-part epoxy, go with their recommended primer from the get-go. Have fun.