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Wadefish 15-32, 3mm vs 4mm ply

Posted: Wed May 04, 2016 3:06 pm
by G8trwood
I just ordered the wadefish plans and was wondering what the thoughts are on 3mm vs 4mm ply. I can get either in okoume the next town over. Looking for a light build for saltwater creeks. I have never worked with 3mm so I didn't know it it is more difficult to get fair lines as the stiffness decreases or if the stitching of the multiple pannles corrects this.

Thanks

Re: Wadefish 15-32, 3mm vs 4mm ply

Posted: Wed May 04, 2016 6:31 pm
by Oldsparkey
I haven't made a Wadefish so Matt would be the correct person to answer your question about which thickness is the best. :D

I made my boats from 1/8th inch plywood and they worked great for me.
I epoxy saturate the wood before glassing it and glassed the boats inside and outside.

The thinner wood requires a little more patience when working with it but you do end up with a light weight boat. You also need to be a little more considerate of the boat when using it , it requires more prevention then a thicker one and does not need to be abused.

I also added some protection to the bottom from the water line down with three coats of the graphite , epoxy mix on several of the boats . On my canoe , kayak and one pirogue I used three coats of a Epoxy , Teflon paint. Private message Me for the company if you are interested later on but i will warm you .... it is expensive.

Re: Wadefish 15-32, 3mm vs 4mm ply

Posted: Thu May 05, 2016 5:47 pm
by jem
G8trwood wrote:I just ordered the wadefish plans and was wondering what the thoughts are on 3mm vs 4mm ply. I can get either in okoume the next town over. Looking for a light build for saltwater creeks. I have never worked with 3mm so I didn't know it it is more difficult to get fair lines as the stiffness decreases or if the stitching of the multiple pannles corrects this.

Thanks
3mm can be tough to work with. Takes extra stitches, time and patience. You might need to add some bracing on the under-floor supports.

Re: Wadefish 15-32, 3mm vs 4mm ply

Posted: Thu May 05, 2016 8:23 pm
by G8trwood
Thanks Matt, I am trying to balance that with draft and dragging through mud. Where I fish is usually shallow oysters and muck, rarely sand. Graphite on the bottom will be a must. If I could save 10 or so lbs it could be worth it, 5 not so much

Re: Wadefish 15-32, 3mm vs 4mm ply

Posted: Thu May 05, 2016 8:35 pm
by tx river rat
I built one boat from 1/8 ply
Never again.
Ron

Re: Wadefish 15-32, 3mm vs 4mm ply

Posted: Fri May 06, 2016 11:28 am
by G8trwood
Thanks guys, thinking 4mm now to keep what hair I have left!