Plywood hull vs. planks

[dpropson]

What can an expert tell me about plywood hulls vs. plank and rib hulls? Are plywood hulls worth looking into or should planks be preferred?<br /><br />Dennis

 

[crab bait]

Re: Plywood hull vs. planks

both are good.. ply is easier.. planks are harder to do & get right... planks tend to be prettier.. <br />planks need more ribs .. ply less or no ribs... which means more room inside..<br />plus planks would make fiberglassin' a nitemare in a major way...<br /><br />build a building an put on plywood sheating .. than put up the same building an put up clapboards... harder ,huh...<br /><br />believe me ,, buildin' a boat is hard & time consumin' enough... why bother killin' yourself goin' the long way.. <br /><br />unless that's the way you want a go...

 

[dpropson]

Re: Plywood hull vs. planks

Hey Crab,<br />Thanks for the obviously well-informed words. I can't believe how good this forum is.<br /><br />Dennis

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Plywood hull vs. planks

Depends on skill level and experience. If you are new to wood boats, and looking at something you want to keep in running shape, a plywood hull is a lot easier. If you are looking at a wood boat, the standard advice is to get an appraisal -- which can cost more than the boat is worth in the case of some project boats. The other option (often the best) is to get an experienced friend to go along with you to make a careful examination.<br /><br />But if you are getting in boat building, it's a whole other thing....

 

[dpropson]

Re: Plywood hull vs. planks

That's interesting, oldboat1, about the plywood hull being easier to keep running. Can you explain that for me? What needs to be done to either boat to keep them in best working shape?<br /><br />Dennis

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Plywood hull vs. planks

Dennis -- sorry for the delayed response. The obvious difference is the caulking, as far as maintenance goes. With plywood, you caulk seams when you reapply the undercoating, and that's pretty much it. Additionally, I think it is easier for a do-it-yourselfer like me to get a nice finish on a plywood hull, and easier to maintain because there is no cracking of the paint at plank seams. Once you have the hull ready to go, it's really not that difficult to maintain. As with all finishing work, preparation is the key -- and use good materials.<br /><br />Bottom painting is an annual thing, but hull painting is only necessary (repairs or touchups aside) every three or four years, or so.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Plywood hull vs. planks

See this site: http://www.devlinboat.com/ <br /><br />you may not build one as pretty as Sam Devlin does, but his book is good; I read it occasionally, and I don't even want to build a boat. You may even want to buy his plans.