Alternative to plywood interior on my Telstar Trimaran

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by David Melling, Sep 18, 2019.

  1. David Melling
    Joined: Sep 2019
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Leigh-on-Sea, UK

    David Melling New Member

    Hi everyone.

    I'm new to this forum so hoping you can help. I need to re-fit the interior of my Telstar 8M trimaran. Currently there are sheets of ply lining the main interior 'walls' so to speak, but over time they have suffered from water ingress (mainly internal condensation I guess), desite being varnished. The water seems to creep upwards through the grain from the bottom or down from the top. What's the best way of sealing the edges of the plywood sheets to prevent this ? ( I don't think I can ever ventilate the boat enough to eliminate the moisture over the UK winter).

    Alternatively, does anyone know of a plastic product that simulates plywood? I know it wouldn't look as good, but at least it would eliminate the water damage problem.

    Thanks in anticipation - Dave (UK)
     
  2. upchurchmr
    Joined: Feb 2011
    Posts: 3,287
    Likes: 259, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 579
    Location: Ft. Worth, Tx, USA

    upchurchmr Senior Member

  3. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
    Posts: 1,447
    Likes: 411, Points: 83
    Location: Colorado

    Blueknarr Senior Member

    Welcome to the forum.

    The trick is to completely encapsulate the plywood before it is installed. All surfaces should receive several coats of epoxy prior to assembly.

    More commonly, the interior is fully constructed then finished. The hidden plywood edges are never sealed. You have the results.

    Is the damage strictly visual or have the plys delaminated or gotten soft and rotten?
    A few pictures would help us give you good advice.

    There are several plywood alternatives. Ther are either experience and heavy or super expensive and light. The super light ones are ridiculously expensive.
     

  4. David Melling
    Joined: Sep 2019
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Leigh-on-Sea, UK

    David Melling New Member

    Thanks everyone, sorry I couldn't post any pictures, but the original interior is definitely beyond saving. Thank you very much for your help with this issue, I shall take your advice and also download the book via the link. Regards, Dave
     
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