Okume ply decks- to glass or not to glass

I'm re-decking another Shark catamaran. While routing the old decks off, I realized the plywood was fiberglassed on both sides. (maybe 4oz cloth?) The ply was the same 5 ply,6mm thick plywood that we use. I have not put glass on any of my rebuilds, was curious if there was any evolutionary history of working with marine grade ply, or if this was just a builders preference. I believe this boat was built in England.

Thanks for any thoughts.
Rob

 

If you want some longevity from the boat, you'll glass it.
Okume is not a miracle wood.

 

We did Windward 15 decks with Okume and 4 oz glass. Painted the edge black and the boat is gorgeous and bright finished. My fingers all hurt from rope tying yesterday or I'd get a picture for everyone.

Not glassing usually results in surface checking in hot climates or climates that get hot and cold.

We did NOT glass the bottom side and just the top.

 

We have always epoxied and varnished. I'm curious how much more of the west 207 will be needed if I put glass on it- that stuff is expensive!

 

If you can't figure it out, call West, they have excellent tech service.
(Look on their website for a calculator.)
Expensive, but worth the money.

 

@rturbett,
Just asking, was the inside sheath fiber-glassing done before or after the plywood deck was fitted.
Regards AlanX

 

The inside fiberglass was applied before the decks were installed.