White Beech

[Dazzla]

Hi guys, i was wondering if anyone could tell me if using White Beech as a Mahogany replacement for the frame of a Cold Mold Constructed Glen-L runabout boat is acceptable?
I'm liking the Beech because of its weight and look.
If it is no good any suggestions would be appreciated.
I live in S.Aust if that is of any help enabling me to locate a supplier.

Cheers

[Boatmik]

That would be the worst decision you could possibly make. The white beech is a wonderful decking timber similar to teak in terms of use. Its oiliness protects it from the elements when left bare. However you can't use it as a structural component in a glued structure as it doesn't glue reliably at all for highly stressed components.

Deck overlay over plywood is OK if you take precautions with the gluing - but for hull components it would be a potential disaster.

Best wishes
Michael Storer

[Dazzla]

Hi Mike, Thanks for the info, any suggestions on what timber to use, and that i might be able to get locally?
Darren

[Boatmik]

Many people end up using ply these days. Or cedar veneers. Sometimes Duck Flat can get gaboon veneers.

Um ...

MIK

[mcchaddy]

Hi Dazzla,

I plan on using hoop pine for the frames in a similar style boat. Celery top pine is another good timber. As mike said ply is probably the easiest and readily available.

cheers

Michael

[Dazzla]

Hi Dazzla,

I plan on using hoop pine for the frames in a similar style boat. Celery top pine is another good timber. As mike said ply is probably the easiest and readily available.

cheers

Michael


Hi Michael, just checking, but are you suggesting using hoop pine for the frames of the boat or hoop pine as a ply for the out skin? Ive done a little research and have noticed that some people have even used timbers like brushbox and kwilla but im thinking that they are both on the heavier side... whats you opinion?

[Boatmik]

Howdy Dazzla,

Read the whole thread more carefully.

Michael Storer

[mcchaddy]

Howdy Dazzla,

I plan on using recycled Hoop Pine timber(not ply) for the frames only. I'm using hoop pine ply cold molded for the skin/hull of the boat .

Hope I haven't confused you.

cheers

Michael.

[Peter 305]

White beech is very durable but it's oiliness makes it very difficult to glue or to glue other items to it. I'd use hoop pine.