MATERIAL LIST

The amount of materials shown here is calculated on the basis of good economical use. If you tend to make a pint of epoxy when you only need a spoonful, you will need extra; and if you tend to cut first and measure later and have to re-do several items, you will find your self short. Therefore, please realize that these quantities are only a guide.

Solid stock wood choices depend on availability. The boats are designed for commonly available materials like fir, spruce etc… We don’t recommend heavy or exotic woods for interior framing and cleats. They are hidden anyway. Surprisingly, some of the well-known woods for boatbuilding are not ideal for this method. Teak and oak do not glue well with epoxy, not to mention they are heavy, although they would be fine for gunwales as they should be bedded not glued. Be creative and artistic. For the cabin, you might want to use a nice wood like mahogany or a laminated combination for your exposed deck beams, coaming, etc…

To help understand what goes where, we have listed our solid stock wood materials are shown by item name in the first column. The name relates to the part as shown on the plan. The second column is the dimension of the finished piece made of the lumber. If this finished size is not a standard lumberyard finished size, the "size" column will list the proper commercially available size name (USA) to purchase. Or in many cases, the finished size of the standard lumber you buy is not consistent with its name (which refers to its rough size). For example, the common 1X2 is actually 3/4" X 1 1/2". Other finished sizes are not related to stock lumber sizes. This means that you will be ripping the correct sizes from the nearest available size as suggested or another size as is available to you. The third column is the length of lumber needed per running foot piece. The fourth column is the common "name" of the size – or the name you will use when ordering the wood. Your average Joe or Jill at the local builders supply probably doesn’t know the finished dimensions of standard lumber – and if you asked for a "6’ length of ¾ X 3 ½" " you would probably be told they "don’t have it" – but when you ask for a 6’ length of 1X4 you will have no problems. The last column gives the number of pieces of that size required for that item.

Fasteners are very difficult to calculate in exact numbers. Where a specific fastener is needed in a critical application, we have specified it. For all others please extrapolate for your own needs. If you have lots of clamps, you don’t need too many screws; conversely, you’ll want a larger number if you don’t have many clamps.

For temporary fasteners, we recommend the use of drywall screws (also called sheetrock screws), which can be easily removed, and their holes filled with epoxy. If you do not want to mar the surface for a bright finish, use clamps, either commercial or simple ones we describe at the end of this list. You should have an assortment of sizes on hand. Even after your boat project is finished, you will find these incredibly handy around the house for other projects.

When fastening plywood to inwales: such as sides, deck, house, etc…you may use ring nails - these are listed as an optional item.

We have not listed hardware fastenings, as they will depend on hardware choices. Items which are highly stressed such as cleats, will require through bolting.

All of our plywood plans call for the use of epoxy. Under no circumstances should you substitute polyester for epoxy. They are not the same. Polyester will fail in a few years. Use a good brand of marine epoxy – see the material source list (US residents) if you can’t find it locally. Epoxy comes indifferent ratios: commonly 2:1 and 5:1. The amount of epoxy recommended is the total amount of the two parts.

We are often asked to recommend finishing paints. We like the two part linear polyurethanes and modified acrylic urethanes. While these two part products are a more expensive and difficult to apply, they are much harder and last much longer. If you decide to go with a single part paint, at least use a top of the line marine enamel. And, regardless of system, unless you are experienced in the area of paint chemistry, use all the products from a single supplier and for a single line – this way you will have compatibility from primer to finish. Always: follow the manufacturer’s recommendation with regard to equipment and preparation.

Should you have questions about materials, please let us know and we will try to help you.

Remember, when the urge to shave the costs hits you: The most precious thing you will put into this boat is your love and labor. Honor them with good materials – you’ll be repaid by a lifetime of low maintenance, an heirloom, and a much higher return on your boat if you should sell her.

MARINE PLYWOOD

Okume, Khaya, Meranti , Luan or other marine plywood

*Metric sizes may vary country to country: approximate = 243.8 to 250 X 122

SOLID STOCK