Centerboard trunk core material

[BobBill]

I read this thread and have a question.

Why not use a good plastic product instead of marine ply?

I plan to repair and rebuild a dagger board chute between a deck and outer hull and will not use wood or core materials. Synthetic seems the best option.

Originally Posted by BobBill

Why not use a good plastic product instead of marine ply?

It is either good, or it´s plastic, you have the choice!

[PAR]

I agree with BobBill, inert materials like HDPE or other plastics usually make much better centerboards, daggers, rudder blades, etc. Most are neutrally buoyant, some resist marine growth, possibly self lubricating and will not suffer from destruction of internal friction (like plywood does in this use). I dislike the use of plywood in anything but quite small craft. A solid wood, strip plank build is a better choice, if wood is "necessary" as it doesn't suffer from rolling shear like plywood and it's 1/3 or more stronger longitudinally.