Need some plywood advice please

[Volphin]

I'm building a new engine cover and need some plywood advice. The wood it is made from is stamped with:

APA
C-C Plugged
15/32 Inch
Group 1
Exterior
217
PS1-83

I'd like to go back with something comparable but in 1/2".
I've wandered around the big boxes and all they seem to have is pressure treated or indoor use plywood. ??

So what kind of wood do I need? Does it have to be "Marine Grade" or will exterior as above work?
Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Look for 1/2" ABX, ACX or BCX. 15/32 is the new 1/2"

 

[alldodge]

Agree, big box has plenty of BCX and can get in hardwood

 

[tpenfield]

Exterior is the rating to get. Not sure why you would not find 15/32 acceptable . . .

 

[Volphin]

Exterior is the rating to get. Not sure why you would not find 15/32 acceptable . . .

I have run into a sagging issue as it acts as part of the sun deck. I was hoping another 16th would help out, but I might go with 5/8". Funny, the big boxes around me do not offer a BCX and say it is un-orderable and not in stock within 100 miles online. Menards does have it, however I'd have to drive WAY north to get it (cheap though!).
Methinks someone is playing the "favorites" game as far as distribution in East TN. hmmmmmm.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

19/32 is available in the stores everywhere as it is a popular choice as a building material. BCX is not that common because most stores carry the ACX.

If you can find the marine grade and if you are ok paying a little extra for it, buy it. It is much better wood for a boat. If not, ACX would do

 

[tpenfield]

I have run into a sagging issue as it acts as part of the sun deck. I was hoping another 16th would help out, but I might go with 5/8". Funny, the big boxes around me do not offer a BCX and say it is un-orderable and not in stock within 100 miles online. Menards does have it, however I'd have to drive WAY north to get it (cheap though!).
Methinks someone is playing the "favorites" game as far as distribution in East TN. hmmmmmm.

Actually it would be another 32nd to get to half inch plywood. I sort of think it is a legal thing that they call the thickness 15/32" in case it comes slightly under 1/2", but all along it is intended to be 1/2". :noidea:

When I was doing some work on my 24 foot cuddy boat, I used the 5/8" . . . which was actually stamped 19/32" . . . just to get a slightly stiffer material. So, you could certainly go that route as you mentioned.

 

[jbcurt00]

Try googling Scroungers Paradise. At least 1 east TN member got plywood there. But no, its not in TN.

And if they dont have the plywood, they've got other awesome wood products to drool over.

Heres a slab they sold, made into a desk....

 

[Volphin]

Thanks for the tips guys! Will let you know what I find...

 

[gm280]

Volphin, here is something to think about. If you are rebuilding an engine hatch, you could even go with 3/8" (11/32") and it still be strong enough. Because once you apply the polyester and fiberglass materials on the inside and out, you will be amazed how strong it will be. Everybody wants to build more solid then existing. But thinner wood materials gets plenty strong when you add in the fiberglass and polyester. If I had to do over, I would certainly use lighter plywoods on my boat build. I didn't realize how solid things get once covered with poly and fiberglass and weight is always a factor in boat building. JMHO

 

[Volphin]

Volphin, here is something to think about. If you are rebuilding an engine hatch, you could even go with 3/8" (11/32") and it still be strong enough. Because once you apply the polyester and fiberglass materials on the inside and out, you will be amazed how strong it will be. Everybody wants to build more solid then existing. But thinner wood materials gets plenty strong when you add in the fiberglass and polyester. If I had to do over, I would certainly use lighter plywoods on my boat build. I didn't realize how solid things get once covered with poly and fiberglass and weight is always a factor in boat building. JMHO

Always great advice gm! Thanks! This hatch won't get that treatment as I'm drawing up plans for a new seating arrangement. The boat is an 89 and this is the original cover. Not too shabby for OE non glassed stuff. I just want it for a few Fall colors cruises, then the real work begins. I'm trying to engineer a new 2 front seat/rear couch setup with a much larger sun pad that lifts up for engine access. Right now I have the front/rear 4 seat combo and two jump seats on either side of the rear hatch.

 

[Volphin]

Try googling Scroungers Paradise. At least 1 east TN member got plywood there. But no, its not in TN.

And if they dont have the plywood, they've got other awesome wood products to drool over.

Heres a slab they sold, made into a desk....

Wow that is an awesome table!

 

[Volphin]

I just picked up a sheet of 1/2" AB Marine for $80. I'll have some left over for the couch! Thanks all for your help!