Marine plywood

[gg30citation]

Hey Everyone,

I have some water damage from a leaking cockpit drain that was not installed properly. It has rotted part of a dividing panel in the engine compartment, I have cut the damaged area out and have the area ready for re-construction. I have discovered that there are several types of plywood available, Hydro-core, Okoume, and so on. I'm curious what would be the proper type to use in the repair. The dividing panel is one that separates the engine area from the compartment under one of the cockpit benches. Thanks in advance for any help.

gg30citation

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by gg30citation

Hey Everyone,

I have some water damage from a leaking cockpit drain that was not installed properly. It has rotted part of a dividing panel in the engine compartment, I have cut the damaged area out and have the area ready for re-construction. I have discovered that there are several types of plywood available, Hydro-core, Okoume, and so on. I'm curious what would be the proper type to use in the repair. The dividing panel is one that separates the engine area from the compartment under one of the cockpit benches. Thanks in advance for any help.

gg30citation

Okoume will be probably your best bet

[gg30citation]

Thanks Jody
There were lots of choices...I think the Okoume met the BS-1088 requirments

Greg

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by gg30citation

Thanks Jody
There were lots of choices...I think the Okoume met the BS-1088 requirments

Greg

Yep, and probably the cheapest - just make sure that you seal the ends (soak ends in epoxy) for the cutout...

[JohnRPollard]

Sealing the edges is a good suggestion, but if possible, I would recommend coating the entire replacement panel (edges and sides) with epoxy. Additionally, primer and paint will offer some extra protection to the epoxy, from abrasion and engine heat (doesn't sound like UV will be an issue.)

[paulk]

Okoume is probably overkill for an interior partition in the engine compartment that (now that you've fixed the drain?) isn't likely to get wet so often as it did. (How many years did it take for the original one to rot?) A standard marine plywood piece should be sufficient. Getting the same thickness as the original material that you're patching (either in mm or inches) will make it easier and leave it looking better than a mismatched color/thckness. Take a piece with you to the lumber supplier to make sure it matches, since the plywood makers and their marketing departments have been having fun increasing productivity by shaving thicknesses in some cases. (13/16" is the new 3/4", for example...)

[gg30citation]

Thanks Everyone for all the info, I have a good measurement of the thickness that I need. I will also seal the edges with epoxy before I install the new piece.