Standards for hull thickness

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

 

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"

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.