Bellcomb Aluminum Honeycomb Core Panels 1" X 5' X 10' ?

[munster04]

Hello everyone,

I came across what I think is a great deal but I wanted to see what other think. I have a 16.5 Mirrocraft Aluminum boat. I was planning on replacing the desk this fall. During my search I found the Bellcomb Aluminum Honeycomb Core Panels 1" X 5' X 10' for $100 per sheet. Plus they have 5' x 10' aluminum 5052 sheets at .032 thickness for $40.

My question would you buy this over the marine grade plywood? I can attach the panels without any issue the cover it. I could even seal the ends with C Channels where they touch the side of the boat. The middle could be reenforced by applying the .032 over the panels. Since the panels already have aluminum sheets on each side this should allow for better support. If that does not work I could always put 1/4 bar stock where I want to attach something.

Thank you for your feed back,



Bob

 

[Scott Danforth]

been on ebay?

I wouldnt buy it, not made to be a floor. makes a hell of a cabinet material, makes a cool bed cover, just not a floor material. walking on it, will eventually fatique the surface plate and the plate to honeycombe core joint, eventually crushing it in. 5052 is soft, and at .032 thickness, that is a bit thicker than a beer can and you can cut it with a scissors

I also wouldnt use marine plywood, I would use AurocoPly ACX sealed with the Old Timers wood sealer and covered, or simply rhino-lined (you have to treat the marine plywood as well)

borrowed from a Woodonglass post:

Of course you can adjust the volumes if you don't need a gallon. It's very important to really soak the edges. That's where the water will attack first. It's also important to finish with a liberal coat of full strength Marine Varnish to seal the outer layers and give good UV protection.

 

[munster04]

Thanks for the information. I had found the ad on Green Bay, CL when I was searching for Aluminum sheets all around MN and WI. He did tell me he used it as the decking in their yatch builds. Hines the reason I posted the question. I know how thin .032 aluminum sheets are so I thought it was a little strange. He has since removed the post and has the same one on Ebay now.

As for the marine grade plywood that's interesting. I assumed marine grade sealed would be the ticket, but we all know what assumes means.

I'll have to search around Minneapolis to see who has it in stock.

Funny that you referred to Woodonglass post. I had read his reply on another plywood floor post and printed it out.

If the aluminum panels had worked out I was thinking about building the floor cover out of cedar strips. It think it would make a beautiful floor and easy to clean after fishing. Not a big fan of carpet due to keeping it clean. Vinyl has crossed my mine but gets hot sitting on in the sun.

Thanks again for the reply.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Menards carries Auroco. Lowe's and Home depot no longer do.

 

[munster04]

I was searching after I go back last night. Here is what Menards has in stock. Is this the same thing? Does not say Auroco just Premium ACX.

Menards also has the Marine grade I was originally considering. Rosebud 3/4 4x8 sheets @ 62.00 on sale. The premium ACX is $35.00 per sheet.

Even if you get ten years out of the ACX it's hard to justify the price difference. Not saying it will only last ten years.

http://www.menards.com/main/buildin...4-x-8-premium-acx-plywood/p-1444424214850.htm

Thank you for the help.

Bob

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Thanks for the information. I had found the ad on Green Bay, CL when I was searching for Aluminum sheets all around MN and WI. He did tell me he used it as the decking in their yatch builds. Hines the reason I posted the question. I know how thin .032 aluminum sheets are so I thought it was a little strange. He has since removed the post and has the same one on Ebay now.

As for the marine grade plywood that's interesting. I assumed marine grade sealed would be the ticket, but we all know what assumes means.

I'll have to search around Minneapolis to see who has it in stock.

Funny that you referred to Woodonglass post. I had read his reply on another plywood floor post and printed it out.

If the aluminum panels had worked out I was thinking about building the floor cover out of cedar strips. It think it would make a beautiful floor and easy to clean after fishing. Not a big fan of carpet due to keeping it clean. Vinyl has crossed my mine but gets hot sitting on in the sun.

Thanks again for the reply.

You are correct in your assumption. AurocoPly ACX is not comparable to marine grade. In other words, they are not equivalent. The plies are different, the type of wood is different and the strength is not the same. AurocoPly ACX is a second or third choice if you can go with Marine for whatever reason.

If you had your mind set on marine grade ply and you can source it for good price, this is what you should do... it is what I would do.

The mix above will provide some protection if you want to leave the wood natural finish. If you plan to cover the blanks with carpet, protect the wood with Epoxy, it is the best water proofing product your $ can buy.

If you want to paint over them, the above mix will not work because it has varnish in it. Use good quality oil based system (primer + paint) to get the job done.

Whatever you decide, pay very close attention to the edges of the wood. Make sure you coat them multiple times. This is where the problems start.

 

[munster04]

Thank for the feed back. Do you recommend any particular type or brand of epoxy?

Any thoughts on the Rosebud Marine plywood Menards carries?


Bob

 

[DeepBlue2010]

It is good marine ply. As Ondarvr (our expert on the subject) alway say (and I am paraphrasing) any brand of epoxy would do just don't buy the thinned ones that are marketed for deep penetration.

 

[Watermann]

I agree that the AL honeycomb sheet is not a good choice for decking.

I think the plywood name you're talking about is Roseburg. Does your boat have consoles? If so going from the standard 1/2" decking to 3/4" may be a problem as some models of boats there's a domino effect making the consoles and windshields not line up correctly. Then there's the added weight. Most times 5/8" ply is a good compromise of added strength and consoles/windshields will still go in without alterations.

What ply you decide to use is up to you and your budget as is the method of sealing. I've used both and marine grade ply is nice to work with but I don't know if it's worth twice the price. I can say with certainty that it's not twice as good.