baltic birch - front and back casting deck

[Martian]

I have some extra plywood in the garage: 3/4" baltic birch and a lot of 1/2" spruce.

I live in South Western Ontario and for my 16 foot tin I want to build casting decks front and back.

For baltic birch I have read comments from "rots like a tomato" to people who used it for building a transom (!).

So I am looking for fresh input. Granted all wood eventually has to be replaced...whats the life span?

martian

 

[CATransplant]

Re: baltic birch - front and back casting deck

First question is whether your plywood uses exterior glue in its lamination. If not, don't even think about putting it on your boat. Most birch ply I've used is interior grade.

If it does have exterior glue, then seal it up really, really well and mount it so you can remove it later.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: baltic birch - front and back casting deck

I used Russian birch on my casting deck ONLY and I repeat ONLY because it was scrap wood I got for free from work. I sealed it up quite well and stapled cheap I/O rug to it. I know full well Im only going to get 1-2 years of use out of it. I did this because it was my first attempt at building a casting deck and I know I was going to want to change it soon after. even with carpet and hardware I was only in about $15 so its not a huge loss even with that short of a life.

when I get a better plan of attack ill spend the money on proper wood.

 

[109jb]

Re: baltic birch - front and back casting deck

Baltic Birch is available as a "marine" grade plywood. That being said, if the plywood adhesive is exterior grade, go for it.

 

[Martian]

Re: baltic birch - front and back casting deck

great info...especially about the glue.

thanks