Best core material for fiberglass hatch

[eyebrowski]

I am making a replacement deck hatch for my 18' Outrage. The deck hatch is ~6 sq ft and needs to be strong enough to stand on. What is the best core material to use in this application? Plywood? Is there a material I can use that would be easier to put a radius on the edges?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Best core material for fiberglass hatch

Lots of choices but...best bang for the buck will be plywood coated with epoxy or polyester resin and glass. If prepped and finished properly, it will last for decades and be strong enough for your purposes.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Best core material for fiberglass hatch

I agree with WOG, however if light weight is a requirement, then the expensive cores such as hexcel come into play.

my boat is balsa cored, that would also be an alternative.

 

[eyebrowski]

Re: Best core material for fiberglass hatch

Weight isn't a big concern, I'll go ahead with plywood. Thanks!