Can I substitute Honduran Mahogany?

[Swimpy]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum, but from what i've read you guys are just who i'm looking for.

I'll be hauling my 1964 46' Connie on Aug. 28. I expect to find some issues and the need for some wood replacement. According to the information i received from the Mariner's Museum, Chris Craft specified a superrior grade of Philappine mahogany called "Chris Craft Grade" I have been unable to find any reference to this grade of wood.

Today, dozens if not hundreds of species are marketed as "Philapine Mahogany" I Want Good Wood in my boat! I have a local source for Honduras Mahogany and would like to use this for any current and future planking repairs.
Can anyone speak to the suitability of Honduras for this? I am basically concerned about differences in the swelling and shrinking characteristics.

Thanks,
Swimpy

[cburgess]

Personally, I prefer Honduran Mahogany over any of the Pacific island variety.

[Hunter25]

You are right there are many different woods called Philippine mahogany. The best thing to do is trust a good boat carpenter to select the wood for your project, or learn enough about the materials used if doing it yourself. Chris Craft built enough boats to have custom made plywood and select stock piles of solid lumber available from their suppliers. Honduran mahogany will be fine, usually a better quality, but you have to know the difference when you see it. My restorer uses a magnifying glass, his nose and experience to examine the pieces that have gone into my boats. I was very surprised to learn most places like Home Depot do not have boat quality lumber. I have since learned a lot about lumber and can pick out the good pieces from the not so good.

[cudashark]

Dear Swimpy,
I would highly recomend buying the book "How To Restore Your Wooden Runabout" by Don Danenberg.

Real cheap on overstock.

Anyhow as he explaines it the early Chris Craft was supplied by a species of mahogany from the Phillippines before the WWII and after they were made of spanish cedar which is a form of mahogany. Sapile can be used however Honduran Mahogany or Genuine Mahogany is best.

Genuine Mahogany refers to most South American Mahogany Species. I have used all three as a finish carpenter in libraries crown case base, the Genuine or Honduran in my opinion are the most beautiful grain patterns...and most suitable for boats.

Ray

[Swimpy]

Thanks to all for your replies. While i am aware Honduras is generally a better wood than Phillipine and it is my wood of choice, I wanted to make sure I would not cause any joint problems by mixing the Honduran planking with the Phillipine.

Thanks,
Swimpy

[cburgess]

Thanks to all for your replies. While i am aware Honduras is generally a better wood than Phillipine and it is my wood of choice, I wanted to make sure I would not cause any joint problems by mixing the Honduran planking with the Phillipine.

Thanks,
Swimpy

Make a small "deck" of about 2x2ft with both mixed in and drown it and let it dry out reall good and find out.

[cudashark]

Dear Swimpy,

The specific gravity will be close enough no to matter. One might ask how will old dry wood work with new wood.

http://www.danenbergboatworks.com/Don%20Danenberg.htm

I would seriously consult Don... I've read his books and they will be of great value to any wood boat restoration.