Anyone use MDO to build a Core Sound?

[fatehunter1972]

Hello,

I will admit I've mostly been a lurker with just a few posts but I am absolutely sold on the Core Sound series. I live on the east side of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada and it seems to me to be the ideal boat for around here.

By the way if there are any other core sound aficionados around these parts please let me know.

First let me thank all of your for posting everything you do. I will not be building this boat only by myself and all that I have learned will make it easier to shell out the dollars.

Here's a question. Has anyone built a core sound out of MDO? That's the stuff highway signs are made of. What do you think of the stuff? Does it bend well etc.

I ask because I am really a workboat kind of guy. I crossed the Atlantic as a toddler in a 65 ft steel freighter (sail powered, on the way to Tuamoto). Spent my summers as a youth on a steel freighter in Europe. Worked as deckhand/Mate/Master on steel tugs and freighters and now command a ferry (steel) that I bash into the dock regularly. Please note the common theme here; steel and banging things around.

Since I plan to use this boat to travel all over this coast, land on rocky beaches, go over rocky shoals, it is gonna get scratched, dented and banged around. My thoughts are to have the best and most practical material in the hull.

Michael

[Gordy Hill]

Core Sounds have been built of aluminum. They're a bit heavier, but take bumps well.

[Garry]

From the Candian Plywood Association:

"MDO Plywood - The Paintable General Purpose Panel

Characteristics: An EXTERIOR type plywood with a weather-resistant resin overlay bonded to the wood by heat and pressure. This process fuses the molecules of the overlay with the fibres of the wood to form a bond as strong as the wood itself. MDO has all the advantages of regular plywood as well as additional properties. The overlay, which has 28% resin content, resists water, weather, wear and degradation. It has texture that paint can grip with remarkable tenacity. Paint finishes on MDO are up to three times more durable than the same finish applied to ordinary plywood.Ideal for Painted Signs: In many instances, overlaid MDO plywood has proven a more durable sign material than metal. MDO plywood is resistant to the elements with no danger of rust or corrosion."

From Olympic Panel Products: "Guardian

[fatehunter1972]

Up here 'Hydrotec' Meranti BS 1088 runs at US$ 60.

The issue really isn't the cost so much as the durability. I thought that MDO was a type of resin impregnated OSB (oriented strand board) but I am starting to think that it is plywood, that is multiple veneers glued togetther

What I really should do is go and look at the stuff and soak it, kick it, bang it around, take a hammer to it, boil it, and give it to my dog (ok, not the dog due to the glue). when I see what is left I could make a choice.

I thought that I have heard of someone building a Core Sound in aluminum?

For all those who abhor my taste for metal, my father built four wooden boats from 40 to 65 feet to fish and trade the South Pacific with before I was born. Hope that redeems me.

[fatehunter1972]

Gordy,

Do you know who built in aluminum?

Would love to see some of their stuff.

[fatehunter1972]

thanks gary

This is what is so great about this site, so much knowledge.

The fact that there are so many people out there who have done this before is great.

About the MDO, is sounds like exterior grade plywood, north american style that is sealed with some super gluey paper to withstand the weather. In addition to the lack of appropriate thicknesses (which I failed to check, thanks Ray), there is probably no standard or guarantee for voids, veneers etc.

[fatehunter1972]

To clarify:

Marine Occume (African Mahogany)

Brand "Joubert" BS 1088, Size 4x8

6mm (1/4") is C$107 = US$92

Marine Meranti (Phillipine Mahogany)

Brand

[fatehunter1972]

yes, even the beer. But it is real beer.