Alternative to Marine Ply???

[MASTERBrian]

I am needing to rebuild a couple of seat backs on an '86 Ranger and currently a couple of the backing for these seats are marine plywood. In order to do away with wood, I am looking for a fairly reasonable alternative material. I had thought last year Ranger said I could buy plastic backing from them, but the other day, they said that isn't possible, I can just get the skins.

What have others used? I was thinking something like the PVC composite material they use for trim on houses would work, but not sure if I can get it in wide widths. I guess it can be glued together, but don't know if that is feaseable to do on edge and if it'd hold up. I have found a place online that sells PVC sheets and it doesn't seem to be too expensive for no more than I need, but curious what others use or if plywood is my best option.

Thanks for any help...

 

[alligatorgars]

Re: Alternative to Marine Ply???

,,,

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Alternative to Marine Ply???

If you use Arauco Plywood from Lowe's and Seal it with several coats of Marine Varnish and then cover it with the vinyl from your seats It will last another 25 years like the previous wood did. I seriously doubt you'll want the boat any longer than that.

 

[MASTERBrian]

Re: Alternative to Marine Ply???

If you use Arauco Plywood from Lowe's and Seal it with several coats of Marine Varnish and then cover it with the vinyl from your seats It will last another 25 years like the previous wood did. I seriously doubt you'll want the boat any longer than that.

I will take that into consideration. I did repair my fishing seats using exterior grade plywood (don't think I went with marine grade) and so far they are holding up. The next step is finding a better way to staple the material back on, I've currently only used a 3 in 1 nailer, which shoots up either an 1/8" or 1/4" crown. They did the job, but were narrower than what the factory used. The last time I also opted for the stainless staples. I just think a different type of stapler would work better for doing the bigger seats. Hmmm....

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Alternative to Marine Ply???

Why not go to a good exterior plywood - maybe A/B-X? You don't need marine ply for above water line non-structural applications.

Significant cost savings yet easy to staple/fasten.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Alternative to Marine Ply???

I used underlayment ply from the local lumber yard.....a few coats of good exterior paint and SS staples from a standard Arrow staple gun... Worked out great for me

As far as the trim board.... Azack or Kleer products... They do sell it in 4'x8' sheets 1/2" to 5/4" but you don't wanna see the price tag on that!!!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Alternative to Marine Ply???

I will take that into consideration. I did repair my fishing seats using exterior grade plywood (don't think I went with marine grade) and so far they are holding up. The next step is finding a better way to staple the material back on, I've currently only used a 3 in 1 nailer, which shoots up either an 1/8" or 1/4" crown. They did the job, but were narrower than what the factory used. The last time I also opted for the stainless staples. I just think a different type of stapler would work better for doing the bigger seats. Hmmm....

Harbor Freight sells a 1/2" Air Crown Stapler for around $20 bucks. I used it to do all my upholstery on my boat and it works great. Stainless is the only way to go.

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-gauge-wide-crown-air-stapler-68029.html