: Hey Tyler,

: Let me be the devil's advocate regarding plywood. I've seen
: competitions where boats are made out of cardboard, but that
: doesn't make it a great idea. Marine grade plywood is more than
: simply being solid core, the glue is spread edged to edge, where
: exterior grade plywood may not be. Exterior grade ply glue is
: designed to withstand dampness, where marine grade is meant for
: immersion. If you are looking to build something that will be
: used occasionally in calm waters, probably not necessary to go
: for marine grade.

: However, children are much harder on boats as they tend not to baby
: the bottom or worry ramming into things so the opportunity for
: moisture penetrating into the wood is high. If you intend to
: take your son on some longer trips or go camping off your
: kayaks, go for the real thing. I believe marine grade ply exists
: for more than marketing purposes; when you are on the water your
: life depends on your boat. I'm an advocate of using the best
: materials you can when it comes to this kind of thing.

: Just my two cents.

: Eric

Couple other things. Certified marine ply is all the wood it's supposed to be, be it okoume, fir etc. With exterior grade these days the interior wood can be a combination of woods and rarely is what the faces are. Also marine ply is supposed to be balanced plywood, meaning it shouldn't warp just sitting there. Take a look at exterior ply in the yards, I don't remember in years seeing a straight piece.

Bill H.