Standards for hull thickness

[chuckboat]

Can anyone tell me if there is a standard practice for determining the hull thickness for a wooden boat?

I am drafting plans to build a 20x8x4 foot wood boat. It's intended purpose is for low speed pleasure cruising, so high stress points should not be a concern. I am considering a 1/4'' hull thickness, ply wood over a wood frame, stain and varnish inside and out.

All comments welcome.

Chuck

[rasorinc]

I like a minimum of 3/8 to 1/2" bottoms and lean toward 1/2" for a 20' length.
If you have curves go double 1/4"--hard to bend 1/2". If your going to be boating in a stream or river with lots of rocks go 5/8"

[Wynand N]

see if you can lay your hands on Gerr's book "Elements of Boat Strength" It is all there and more.

[Boston]

its also in elements of yacht design by Skene

20' boat eh
plank thickness of 7/8 is what old Skene lists for a simple plank on frame keel wooden power boat

at 1/4 inch you might want to bring some swim gear and a few extra towels

[conceptia]

Elements of Boat Strength is a good one to start with...

[chuckboat]

RASORINC: Thanks for the advice. I'll go with 2 layers of 1/4 ply for hull.

WYNAND N: I'll add Gerr's book to my set.

BOSTON: I think we will have plenty of towels and buckets on hand on our maiden voyage. Will post performance results when I have them.

CONCEPTIA: Thanks for your additional reconendation for Elements of Boat Strength.