Trunk Construction.

[Paul G.]

The existing cabin is stuffed, so a new one is going to be built. Any advice on whether solid timber or plywood is better? The current trunk sides are also the cockpit coamings so I would replace these as well. The preferred finish is bright.I have been considering a 3rd method which is to use an inner skin of half inch ply set on a rebated moulding which is in turn bolted to the carlins through the existing drift holes, the veneer would cover the rebate and finish flush to the deck. The logic is that good quality boards of the right width are hard to find but I have a stack of 1/2 x 12" which would make a great veneer. If I do this would the 1/2"veneer tend to crack?

Is this a waste of time, would i be better off to find solid timber or even laminate 3 of the 1/2x 12 boards round a strongback?

[paladin]

..You didn't say what kind of boat.....plywood is stable....but there were other types of construction used on traditionally planked boats..
The corner posts were rabbetted and conventional framing used in the overheads...then (1) cabins were conventionally planked like the hull, and canvas coverings were used...(2) Plywood came into vogue and was used on the sides and top...and (3) bead and cove, tongue and groove and convention square section strip planking was used...Personally I like the strip planking......then xynole/epoxy over....

[Paul G.]

Chuck,

The boat is planked and the trunk is solid (where its not rotten!) I'm planning on a beamless ply roof as well.

have a look here
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=2115482274

[paladin]

if you can get veneers from the plank and properly sanded.....get a large piece of formica faced construction ply, cover it with visqueen plastic sheet...slather epoxy on the veneer, epoxy the ply, lay the ply on top with some weights.......nice smooth veneered plywood....

[Paul G.]

the veneer would be close to 1/2", Do you think any problems may result from uneven expansion/contraction?

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

The issue, whether plank or ply, is sealing the whole thing up. Chuck's formula is certainly along the right track. I'm sorry to hear you've had as much work to do as you've reported Paul. It is a nice boat tho...

[Paul G.]

5200 between the trunk and deck (planked deck) epoxy on the cabin. I have had some good advice to seal the decks with a latex product designed for the construction industry, 3 layers ist coat latex gloop 2nd polyprop cloth 3rd more gloop, all wet on wet. This stuff is supposed to be watertight but slightly breathable with a canvas looking finish.

[paladin]

I would try to aim for veneers closer to 1/4 inch even if it means cutting the strips more narrow and edge matching.....