Plastic or glass over wood???

[ARGOS]

Hello I am compleatly refitting a 1976 23ft Formula. I have gutted the boat down to the stringers (they were perfect no reason to replace) and am going to turn this cuddy cabin speed boat into a center console. I have some questions about using the new plastic types of materials instead of plywood.

Any information from people who have used this stuff? Would you use it again? What difficulties in the construction process did you have? Where did you buy it?

It seems real expensive, and the people I have spoken with seem to push the fiberglass on both sides of plywood technique.

Any info will help

Thanks...

[lacasmarine]

what plastic are you talking about? starboard or other?
and if you are not likeing ply why not glassed over foam?

[ARGOS]

will the foam be strong enough to use for the decking and gunnels? If so were can I read about this?

Thanks for your response...

[Tim B]

That's gunwhales I believe. What's wrong with plywood? it's a great material.

Tim B.

[lacasmarine]

I am not sure where you can read about it but I have used it for the sole (cockpit floor). in two boats with no problems.we resin coat the sheet of foam. and wet out 3610 on top of that flip and repeat. we got it from www.diabgroup.com
this is not light thin or weak foam .can't remember what lb foam it was.

but plywood is good too 3/4"
resin coat it.

[ARGOS]

More or less just looking for options. After looking into corecell I don't see much of an advantage.

[lacasmarine]

corecell cost more but will never rot or delam. and to heavy
ply is cheaper and you will have to be sealed and will still give out some day.but it's lighter.