Wood Usage

[tennpenn]

I am new to the forum but have read thru many of the threads looking for information and just want to make sure I've 'got this right'. <br /><br />I have a 92 Searay BR200. The wood in the seats and sidewalls are rotted and need replacing as well as the vinyl.<br /><br />If I understand correctly from other threads I should use 1/2 inch pressure treated plywood (make sure it's dry), cut the pieces, then coat with several layers of an epoxy sealer before recovering. Make certain to coat the cut edges well. Is that correct?<br /><br />Also, I have a soft spot in the floor, do not know the extent of damage yet. But it is my understanding that on the floor decking and stringers I would need to use marine grade plywood if it needs repair/replacing. Is this correct?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[crab bait]

Re: Wood Usage

1st ?,, yes correct.. but imho, i wouldn't use this modern day pt ply for a dog house.<br /><br />for ? # 2 ( an 1 ) i'd use ABX doug fir ply. home centers don't carry.. but lumber yards can get it in 3 days.. <br /><br />WAY cheaper then marine ,, an just ( almost) as good.. <br /><br />welcome aboard..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wood Usage

i agree with #2. i disagree with # 1. pressure treated against wood destroying bugs. the chemicals used are also very corrosive. here i would use the ABX doug fir 1/2 also. your sealing technique is correct. it will last as long as the pressure treated. 35 years in the construction industry.

 

[tennpenn]

Re: Wood Usage

looks like the 1/2 ABX doug fir plywood is the way to go.<br /><br />Thanks for the prompt responses. <br /><br />Will try to post some before and after pics as i get done.

 

[tennpenn]

Re: Wood Usage

Seems the lumber yards here do not stock the ABX Doug Fir and are reluctant to order the ABX for me as I only need 5 sheets. <br /><br />They are recommending the ACX Doug Fir which of course they have in stock. <br /><br />Is the ACX a suitable replacement? What is the difference between ABX Doug Fir and ACX Doug Fir?

 

[JB]

Re: Wood Usage

Both ABX and ACX have a good, smooth side and a less than perfect, but pretty good side.<br /><br />"A" is the near perfect side. Good for visible areas, particularly if you are going to varnish.<br /><br />"B" and "C" are less perfect on the other side, but fine for painting. Take a look at the common CDX. The "good" side is grade "C". <br /><br />If you are gonna carpet or Herculine it doesn't matter.<br /><br />The "X" (for exterior use) says it is pressure treated against rot and bugs and uses waterproof glues.<br /><br />What does matter in some applications (where strength is important) is what's between the outer veneers. How many ply? How many voids and splits?<br /><br />Cabinet grades have more and thinner veneers and more solid centers but are not treated or waterproof. Marine grades are the equivalent of cabinet grades but are treated and waterproof.<br /><br />I doubt that ABX is justified for what you want to do unless you are going to varnish and both sides are visible. ACX or even BCX should do just as well.<br /><br />For strength requirements, always use marine grade.

 

[tennpenn]

Re: Wood Usage

Hey JB great explanation....thanks!! <br /><br />Learned more reading your summary than I did on several other sites trying to explain the diff between plywoods.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[gregmercer]

Re: Wood Usage

So I need to pick out the wood to use for the backs of my vinyl side trim and cushion backs.<br /><br />Would it be ok to use CDX with a couple coats of like deck water proofer? I don't need the best of the best, chances are I won't even own the boat anymore in 5 years.<br /><br />Greg

 

[crab bait]

Re: Wood Usage

the 'X' ONLY means it for exterior because it has waterproof glue.. <br /><br />does not mean it's 'pressure treated' against rot an bugs.. <br /><br />i wouldn't build a bird house with CDX imho. especially a floor..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wood Usage

you want to ues a 5 ply not 3 ply. this is how many layers there are. what gives plywood it's strength is that the manufacter run the grain of the wood in alternate directions on each ply. with 5 ply you have 3 vertical and 2 horizonal plys, thus stronger and stiffer. 3 ply is 2 vertical 1 horizonal.

 

[gregmercer]

Re: Wood Usage

What kind of wood do you recommend to use for the backside of vinyl seat cushions and that type of thing???<br /><br />I don't think covering the wood in resin is practical considering that about 100 staples need to be put into the wood to hold the vinyl on.<br /><br />I was going to use pressure treated but am having second thoughts for a couple reasons.<br />I hear that the chemical they use to treat it can stain the vinyl. I also am having problems with the wood warping real bad after it dries.<br /><br />Greg

 

[BillP]

Re: Wood Usage

Use pressure treated ply with stainless staples and don't worry about it. <br /><br />ACQ is the "new" pt process and more corrosive than CCA. They spec to use stainless or galvanized fasteners with it. ACQ has replaced CCA ONLY for residential use and not for commercial use.<br /><br />CCA is the earlier pt process and is still used in commercial applications and available everywhere.<br /><br />Don't be paranoid about using pt. I did a 17' boat stringers, floor and transom in CCA pt approx 4-5 yrs ago. I air dried the wood first and used epoxy to put it together. The boat has been in constant use on choppy coastle waters and gets beat hard, even in the open waters of the Florida Keys. Nothing has budged, cracked, delaminated, checked or shown signs of problems. It still looks like the first day it was launched and I will never have to replace the wood again.<br /><br />Warping and stains are no more than untreated exterior ply when unsupported. Paint it if stains worry you. Marine ply is the most warp resistant.<br /><br />Bill P.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Wood Usage

pt ply is cd grade at best.. fulla knotholes, voids an fishers.. pretty much junk at best..

 

[BillP]

Re: Wood Usage

Should I tell my boat the pt ply doesn't work? <br /> <br />

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wood Usage

Originally posted by BillP:<br /> Should I tell my boat the pt ply doesn't work? <br /> <br />

Ayuh,..... It's Junk Alright,.........<br /><br />I used CCA when I did my Starcraft back in 98.....<br />Pretty much Exactly as you described it Bill.....<br />Mine is Rivieted to the Aluminum Stringers,+ Coated in Epoxy,+ fabric......<br /><br />No Problems,....... So Far........

 

[BillP]

Re: Wood Usage

Bondo,<br />My uncle did his 15' Starcraft w/50hp transom in HomeDepot pt ply about 10 yrs ago. No nothing but cut and bolt in exactly like the original. Last I spoke to him about it was 5 yrs ago and the installation was still ok. Really nothing new if you research old boat projects.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wood Usage

Ayuh,...... Mine's a 221 Islander that I repowered with a 4.3LX,+ Alpha 1 drive,......<br /><br />There's about 800hrs on the clock since it was done........<br /><br />And,...... It's Not a garage kept boat either.......It sees weather probably 10 out of 12 months a year......<br />The other 2 is under a Tarp.....