Sealing wood for cushion backing

[badMonkey]

I have done a couple of smaller jobs so cost hasn't been a real factor yet. I am going to be doing some larger jobs and would like to keep the cost down.

I used west marine epoxy to seal my last small job. It seems on a large job this would use a bunch of epoxy.

1) Would marine varnish be sufficient?
2) Seems like poly / csm would be overkill

I will be using exterior grade plywood.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Sealing wood for cushion backing

I've used Polyurethane thinned down some so it penetrated the wood real well, seems to work fine. Good Luck!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Sealing wood for cushion backing

Welcome to iBoats!!

How much exposure to the elements does the boat get year round? If it is exposed to constant humidity changes i.e. canvas covered outside then it will SWEAT and this can cause deterioration. Using Exterior Ply and or Marine Ply with several coats of marine varnish will make the plywood at least 5-10 years as long as it is NOT exposed to direct sunlight and moisture on a constant basis. UV Rays and Moisture are your biggest enemies. Based on your conditions you will have to be the final judge.

Good Luck

 

[badMonkey]

Re: Sealing wood for cushion backing

Hi and thanks for the reply. My boat was originally stored indoors during the winter and not in the summer. When I purchased it, it started living out doors the entire time ( with a canvas cover ).

This winter it got really wet inside (although the vinyl cover stayed on just fine ). I believe I have caused a tremendous amount of degredation of much of the wood as a result.

I have purchased some breather tops for my poles and have promised myself to pay the extra for indoor storage this winter.

The boat is used heavily in the summer for skiing and if I am not driving it ends up taking a fair number of waves over the port bow (onto the cushions I am now replacing ).

Mostly my question was about the applicability of marine varnish (like am I actually doing something good) and you have answered that.

I have to say while I am disappointed that I have caused my own problems ( can't really blame PO ) I am enjoying working on it and getting nice results.