6 replies to this topic

[Hirilonde]

I think it is a shame you locked out your opinions on plywood Jeff.  I disagree with you on 2 points in particular, and I think they are very valid opinions.

 

1.  Baltic Birch is not the best plywood for kayaks or any boat.  There are several that are better.  BS 1088 Okoume,  BS 1088 Meranti,  BS 1088 Sapele and AS2272 Hoop Pine are all superior both structurally and in resistance to delamination from moisture.  Whether they are necessary or not is a matter of opinion.  Baltic Birch may be the best bang for your buck, but that is a subjective statement at best.  

 

2. MDO is no better for kayak frames than other American made Fir plywoods.  The surface is superior to other Fir plywoods, but the interior laminations are no better.  It has the same number of laminations, thus the same thickness of laminations, they are fir and the same glue is used.   It is great for painting, and that is what it was designed for.  Signs are a common use for it, but that does not make it any good for boats or structural items like frames.

 

I am sorry if this thread offends you Jeff, but there is more to evaluating plywood than your post offers and a lot more to the engineering of plywood than you present.

[woodman]

Before you start slamming Baltic Birch ply....Stick a pc. of it outside in the elements for a few yrs. without a coating on it and see the results ....It doesn't delaminate!  And it is accessible and shipping doesn't cost a fortune in my area...

[Hirilonde]

Before you start slamming Baltic Birch ply....Stick a pc. of it outside in the elements for a few yrs. without a coating on it and see the results ....It doesn't delaminate!  And it is accessible and shipping doesn't cost a fortune in my area...

I am not slamming it.  As a matter of fact, I use it.   It works well for kayaks, but I wouldn't even think of using it for a plywood boat.  It is heavier, not as strong nor as immersion proof as any of the BS 1088 plywoods.  Therefore, to say it is the best is not accurate.  As I stated above it may very well be the best bang for the buck, but that is a subjective statement. As an opinion it has value, but it is an opinion.  A proper analysis should be objective.  The BS 1088 plywoods and the AS2272 have been specifically engineered as structural marine plywoods.  I have yet to find anything superior.  

[Joe Feager]

Dave, I think Jeff said Baltic Birch was the best he had used, not best period. I don't disagree on te British Standard plywood but it is twice as expensive for me here and that is before shipping. I had never heard of Baltic birch until finding Kudzu Craft and this forum. Found some locally and like the looks of it. Can't wait to work with it. Wish I was close to your area for a better selection of material.

[Kudzu]

Back up there Dave! That is an FAQ thread, not a discussion thread. There is nothing that stopped you from voicing your opinion on the subject by starting this thread, nor do I have a problem with that.

Neither is the FAQ set in stone, it can and will be edited as I go along. The goal is to address the commonly asked questions in thread that stays at the top of the forum.

Secondly, I said BB was 'the best I have used', not the best plywood. And I stand behind the statement that BB and MDO are probably the best choices from what most people have available to them. My most common question has to do with finding suitable plywood.

Most of us have two options, BB and MDO and it usually an either/or situation. That is unless you want to pay $100+ freight for a sheet to shipped in. I drive 65 miles one way to buy my Baltic Birch and I am glad to find a supplier that close! There is no one that even knows what BS 1088 is around here. No doubt it is superior product but it doesn't matter when you have no access to it.

[ChrisObee]

If you have a FAQ thread you should pin It to the top of the forum.

[Kudzu]

If you have a FAQ thread you should pin It to the top of the forum.

 

It is.