Interior work

[sneuman]

I''m doing some interior work, but cannot find thin (1/8" to 1/4") marine-grade ply for some non-structural interior work (basically, replacing the veneer that covers the fiberglass cabin interior). If I epoxy-seal interior grade does anyone think it will survive a humid (Hong Kong), salt-water environment?

[Jeff_H]

I do not think that Interior plywood will survive in a marine environment no matter how well sealed. One of the items that distinguishes marine from non marine plywood is the thickness of the face veneers and the number and size of the voids. While the face veneer has only minimal impact on durability (fewer refinishings) the voids allow moisture to get to the glue lines and allow buckling of the core plys promoting delamination.

There are really wonderful and reasonably priced 3 mm and 5 mm marine grade IPE faced and Okome faced plywoods out there and I would suggest that you try to find some of that.

Best wishes,
Jeff

[sneuman]

Thanks Jeff. I''ll keep looking. I guess I should take the delamination that occurred elsewhere in the boat over the years as an indicator.