Glen-L.com

Just ordered my McKenzie/Rogue 16' WB/STD Driftboat plans - Not yet received. I'm looking over the generic list of materials from the website and find that I have EVERYTHING BUT the plywood right here in my barn (stem, braces, cleats, keel, battens, chines, sheers, and trays). Problem is, it's all Maple - Not the fir, cedar, pine, oak, or other suggested species. I'll pick up the high-end marine grade plywood from a local dealer - No need to cut corners with these.

Bottom line: Is the Maple a suitable alternative to the specified species? It would be a tremendous savings if I could mill these pieces right from my private stock.

Mac

In an effort to spark a comment, I believe it is either Red Maple or Sugar Maple - I lean toward Silver. Beautiful, clear, and true. The 1", 2", and 4" rough cuts have dried naturally for nearly four years. Nice to work with.

Is it ok for marine use?

CNM

I have no idea, that's why no reply from me.....maybe others that know will chime in

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I haven't replyed because I just don't know about Maple.

Bill

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From my experience using maple for cabinetmaking ( when I really had to ) it is a bi...h to work with. It's hard and the grain changes direction often making it difficult to dress. It will also be difficult to drive screws into.
Not sure where it stands on the marine list of preferred woods, but suspect it is well down.
I also don't think it will stand up to moisture well, but that is my personal opinion.

Doug

I can't remember the source, but I've read that maple has poor rot resistance. White oak is available here for about a buck a boardfoot, so I won't be using the 100 bf of maple I have in the basement for any boatbuilding.

Unless using Honduran mahogany at $16 bf, most other boatbuilding woods would be the cheapest component of a boat (considering the time invested) so don't skimp there.

Scott

This link might help from the Glen-L site...as you go through it lists a number of species and general info about selecting wood...though I didn't specifically see Maple, it may give you some better insight in deciding if you want to use it or not...

How much time and effort you decide to put into the boat, its intended use, and how long you want it to last are all factors in deciding what choice you want to make in wood. Something put together fairly quickly that you want to just "use" and last "a few years" will offer a lot more wood choices than one you build as a showpiece and want the kids to have long after you are gone. Then again, if you decide to go quick and dirty, you may like it so much and use it so much you'll wish you'd have used different materials to make it last longer.

I know I didn't answer your question, but hopefully gave you some considerations. It seems for me, and a lot of folks I talk to, the whole project is a compromise between time, expertise and effort required for a desired result, and budget. Good luck.

http://www.glen-l.com/wood-plywood/bb-chap5.html

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Bob
Sea Knight on the water/Malahini in progress

http://www.woodbin.com/ref/wood/maple_sugar.htm
http://www.woodbin.com/ref/wood/maple_red.htm
how this helps out

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Rod H

Thanks to ALL for the input - I'll dig into the links and do a bit more homework. I certainly don't want to skimp on the project - Just mindful of the almighty dollars.

All ahead full ....
Mac

Yes, you can use Maple. Glen said his brother Elbert used to use it on his builds...

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Perfect - Thanks! Sounds like I'll be in good company.