Builders input needed/laminted deck beam

[Kudzu]

Now I see but I do not offer support for modifications from the plans. I have no experience and I am not going to say it will or won't work.

[Hirilonde]

If the Okoume ply is BS 1088 it is probably the most integrally made plywood in the world.  But we are using plywood in a way it wasn't intended.  Jeff has figured out on his own just how a frame need be built to use plywoods.  I would venture that Baltic Birch is the strongest of the 1/2" plywoods being discussed in this forum, because of the wood being the only hardwood of them all.  Because of how plywood is made a laminated beam is by far the stronger structure when completed.  It would be trial and error to figure what you need in plywood to replace a laminated beam.  Or silly over build to be safe.

[Vox]

I have been away for some time but just rejoined and found this string. Interesting because I have had trouble entering my Curlew since it was built with the frame interfering with my legs. Lived with it for several years though treating it like my ocean cockpit Greenland boat for entry. I decided, while bored, to change things but I went a little overboard ( see pictures). Was really surprised to see that Jeff had come up with something similar. I, however, didn’t need to lower my deck but to raise it. At any rate I’m ready to oil and then skin. 

 

I see the old 8oz is out of stock so will have to use the new material. Does it shrink at all with ironing?  Also, has anyone tried a mineral filler on the hull to help close the weave.  I have an idea in mind but wondering what else has been tried. 

 

Joe

St. Louis MO