Reputable lumberyard in Chattanooga Tn?

[Biofish]

I have called a few lumberyards here in chattanooga.. After going down to one to "see" their marine grade plywood i was ticked off as one of the salesmen tried to dump some AB ext ply on me, Thinking i would not be able to tell. Then to my asonishment he told me it was mahogany when it was obviously not. When confronted on this revelation, he looked down while smirking and said it was just his mistake. Bad lier, bad business, just plain bad form! Anyone know any reputable lumberyards around here in Chattanooga, Tennessee or surrounding cities?

[capt jake]

I've found the same thing here lately! funny, the parts specialist, the lumber specialist, the--- specilists, they don't exist anymore! My best experience for marine wood was at Edensaw Lumber in Port Townsend. Nice folks, prices and no BS! smile.gif
http://satsop.olympus.net/biz/edensaw/index.htm

[ 03-12-2002, 01:31 AM: Message edited by: capt jake ]

[B.Marks]

Call up some sign makers in your area and ask them where they purchase their plywood. Their supplier might handle the types other than marine grade fir. Otherwise, Harbor Sales in Baltimore, although a bit far from you they do ship.

[TomRobb]

Bio, you might mention the name and address of this joint so others in your area may benefit from your experience. You might also go find the manager/owner of the place and give them some feedback. No feedback/no change :(

[Art Read]

Ditto to Tom's thoughts about "feedback"... When I think of my first few forays into finding appropriate wood for my project, I just thank my lucky stars that I happened upon some knowledgable and concientious folks. It would have been pretty damn frustrating if I'd started putting her together with something unsuitable just because the salespeople didn't know about boatbuilding! I make it point to buy as much other stuff as I can from the local place that sent me away to a competitor for my "green" bending oak instead of just loading me up with the pretty, but kiln dried stuff they carried. This applies to other suppliers as well. I can't tell you everytime some "salesman" has tried to convince me that I "really" wanted "Teakbright" or some other snake oil when they didn't have the Deks Olje I wanted, or told me straight out that 5200 or Boatlife was "much better for bedding things" than the Sika 231 or 291 that they didn't happen to carry. "Bronze screws?" "Stainless is MUCH better for wood boats!" Hmph!

[Biofish]

Thanks for the input guys.~! CAPT JAKE. I did talk with Edensaw. I found their prices to be great for the Okoume that i wanted. Then i saw a add in WoodenBoat Magazine which Rare-Earth-Hardwoods is selling 6mm (1/4inch) 5 ply Marine Grade Mahogany for 35.00/piece. This amazed me. They said it was 1088 specifcations. They are calling me back tomorrow with the shipping quote, which i estimate is gonna be around $100. Is this too good to be true?. I called glen-l about changing the 3ply called for in the plans to 5 ply and they said that for my boat (zzzip) 5 ply would be better as long as each ply is uniform. RareEarthHardwoods said that they are all uniform and great for boatbuilding. So, my question again is; Is this too good to be true? Has anyone else used this particular company? What additional questions should i ask the guy when he calls tomorrow?

[Wayne Williams]

Hello Biofish,

You make number 3 on the forum from Chattanooga if I have the count right. There's Chad Smith who goes by cs and myself. If nobody's said welcome aboard yet..welcome aboard.

Now, who was the dog that tried to sell you ext. grade ply as marine grade? Inquiring minds want to know.

East Brainerd lumber is probably the best stocked lumberyard in town if you haven't tried them yet. I've been told by Chattanooga Wood Products that they carry marine grade plywood and they seem like nice people tho' I've never bought anything from them.

Now, if you're buying lumber you must be building. SO TELL US...what design is it? AND keep us posted on your progress.

Good luck and welcome aboard. smile.gif

[Rancocas]

Count me as number 4 in the Chattanooga area. I'm just up the road, in Cleveland, TN.
I mostly lurk, and don't post much.

Although it is not a source for plywood, I've found the Conasauga Lumber Co. to be good for rough sawed pine, cedar, and some hardwoods. They are located off Rt. 411 just above the Georgia State line, here in TN.
I'm still getting my new barn wired for electricity. After that is finished I hope to start on my first boat.

[cs]

After battling the wilds of central Florida I have returned to the safety and security of the TN mountains, and what do I find but a post from fellow Chattanoogians.

There is actually another formuite from Chattanooga (or so his profile says). He don't post much and goes by the handle of Gentleman Sawyer.

Bio, I got your e-mail and responded. Please tell me who gave you such crappy service. I had talked to TN plywood one time about getting marine grade plywood, but I would have to order a pallet at a time. Haven't had any luck otherwise. Let me know what other types of wood you are looking for. Maybe we can put our heads together and come up with a good solution. Might be we need to go to somewhere like Atlanta.

Chad

[Biofish]

Wow... Looks like we have found all of our chattavegas builders!. I live on Lookout Mtn. It takes me about 5 minutes to get downtown. Anyway Wayne: The lumber company was;

Chicks Lumber Company
Po Box 3578, Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 629-1990

Just them having a PO box is scary.. I had to call to get driections.

Anyway.. I called EVERY lumberyard in town and only two carry marine grade plywood, and they only have 3/4 in stock. Of course they could order anything they want.. but why have a middleman?.. I found www.rare-earth-hardwoods.com (http://www.rare-earth-hardwoods.com) to be the best price for all types ply. I am building teh "Zzzip" model 14 foot runabout in Mahogany from www.glen-l.com. (http://www.glen-l.com.) It is a beautiful boat. ( when it is finished that is)CHAD: Thanks for responding. i hope you had a great time in FL. Maybe when we are all available we should go our for a beer or somthing and maybe we can do some swapping of materials and tools that are extra. ALSO: since i have all of your attention, If anyone knows of a 40,45,50 Hp outboard for sale please let me know.. ( used of course) Looking for a trailer too!

Rob

[cs]

Rob:

Check with Sportsman Marine on Bonny Oaks Drive. I got my trailer (used) there for a great price.

Anytime you're ready for that beer drop me a line.

Chad

[Wayne Williams]

Originally posted by cs:
Anytime you're ready for that beer drop me a line.

ChadDid somebody say beer? My two favorite pastimes are drinkin' beer and sawin' wood. ;)

p.s. that makes 5 in Chatt?

[ 03-13-2002, 12:38 PM: Message edited by: Wayne Williams ]

[Biofish]

Perhaps we should get together and watch Wayne saw wood while he is drunk?.. I'll bring the first aid kit and Chad can bring the videocamera.

Rob

[cs]

Sounds like a plan, as long as he in NOT sawing while drunk on my boat. ;)

Chad

[Mr. Know It All]

The Zip is an interesting boat. I like this version with the planked deck---> http://www.glen-l.com/designs/outboard/dsn-zipb.html
What outboard motor are you going to use?
peace---> Kevin in Ohio

[Biofish]

I am going to plank the boat, But not like Jack's, the planks will be dark red mahogany like the rest of the boat. I am going to use a 45 hp motor which i have yet to purchase.. I am trying to find somone in my area who has one for cheap.. but of course i have yet to find one. If you are really interested at what color i am refering to, then here is a pic taken from Roger's website that has the perfect color for a zip.
http://shell.cdc.net/~biofish/boat22.jpg

[ 03-14-2002, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Biofish ]

[Mr. Know It All]

The newer Honda 4-strokes are getting good reviews around here. My 1961 Lyman isn't much bigger than the Zip and it came with a 61 Johnson 75 hp outboard. It is way too heavy and loud. Take a look at the Honda's. They're quiet,lightweight and good on fuel. If you can't find the wood you're looking for and don't mind paying shipping costs I know a great place in Ohio.Good Luck on Your project.
peace---> Kevin in Ohio

[Mr. Know It All]

This is the place to get boat wood in Ohio--> http://www.homesteadhardwoods.com/
At least it will give you an idea of cost to compare to your local lumberyards.
peace----> Kevin in Ohio

[Rancocas]

Chattanooga Crew:
I'm not sure - doesn't marine plywood come in 14' lengths?
I have an enclosed, 12' utility trailer. It can hold quite a bit of plywood, up to that length.
(Too bad I sold my 16' flatbed trailer!)
Or, my pickup truck has an 8' bed. With three or four 14' 2x4's on the bottom for support I could haul a fair load of plywood with just that. It would extend out past the back of the truck, but I could red flag it.
What I'm saying is that, with help, I'm willing to make a run for marine plywood.
It takes me about 11 hours to go from here in Cleveland, to Detroit, MI. So, west-central Ohio would probably be about 9 hours one way. However, I still think we should be able to find a marine plywood source in Atlanta, or maybe Savannah.
BTW; I don't like beer. I'm a cheap wino.
My name is John. "Rancocas" is the creek that I grew up on.

[Biofish]

Originally posted by Rancocas:
Chattanooga Crew:
I'm not sure - doesn't marine plywood come in 14' lengths?
I have an enclosed, 12' utility trailer. It can hold quite a bit of plywood, up to that length.
(Too bad I sold my 16' flatbed trailer!)
Or, my pickup truck has an 8' bed. With three or four 14' 2x4's on the bottom for support I could haul a fair load of plywood with just that. It would extend out past the back of the truck, but I could red flag it.
What I'm saying is that, with help, I'm willing to make a run for marine plywood.
It takes me about 11 hours to go from here in Cleveland, to Detroit, MI. So, west-central Ohio would probably be about 9 hours one way. However, I still think we should be able to find a marine plywood source in Atlanta, or maybe Savannah.
BTW; I don't like beer. I'm a cheap wino.
My name is John. "Rancocas" is the creek that I grew up on.Hmm i have never seen marine grade in 14' lengths. only in 16' and 8'. But i am sure they are out there, after all it is only a 16' with 2' cut off!.
It would be nice to go for a run of plywood and i would like to be in on it if you are really willing to do it. BUT i think we can save money by having a bulk amount of plywood shipped to a central location here. Like i mentioned before i am getting 10 sheets of mahogany for 35.00 a sheet and only $100 shipping from new york If we get 20 sheets the price will drop, 30 sheets ect.ect.ect. So the more we order the better the price. If we can have all of them shipped to one of our houses ( i have a business that would be cheaper shipping charges) Then we can just pick them up from there. I believe this might be a cheaper way unless Gas for your truck would be cheaper. We could allways rent a Uhaul flatbed trailer for $30 if we go this way.
I am estimating that i will need the plywood in about 45 days to 60 days. John you still intrested in doing one of these two things? If you want to do a bulk order goto www.rare-earth-hardwoods.com (http://www.rare-earth-hardwoods.com) and see how much the wood is that you prefer. If you still wanna drive up, give me some prices ( email ) and we can work somthing outto save money.. ANYONE ELSE WANT IN?

Rob

[cs]

I would love to get in on this, but not this time. I need 4 sheets of 1/2" and I just got off the phone with them and I would be looking at $84 a sheet. I will be covering my weekender with a layer of glass so I will pass this time. If my next project calls for plywood we will have to get together.

Chad

[Rancocas]

It looks to me that over the long distances involved, that having the ply shipped is much more cost effective than picking it up personally.
However, if anyone can find a source within a couple hundred miles of Chattanooga, I'm still willing to go get it.
Meanwhile, my barn/workshop is almost finished, and I hope to get started on a wood strip canoe very soon.