BS1088 Marine Ply

Tomsk

Tomsk

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Having done a weeks worth of 'research' via the internet I am coming to the conclusion that the British Standard for Marine Ply (BS1088) isn't worth the paper it is written on!

I have been offered today "2440 x 1220 6mm BSS1088 Far Eastern Marine Plywood CPD Structural" at under £15 gbp per sheet, from a reputable national supplier.

Could anyone comment on how this would differ / compare to Robbins Elite BS1088 at £34 gbp per sheet??

I am just starting out to build a 14 foot dinghy with plans from Selway Fisher. If the entire hull is to be glass / epoxy sheathed would the materials difference make so much difference?

Any comments greatfully received!
 
Judging by some 9mm "marine ply" I bought for a seat base recently it'll have voids in the adhesive and when it gets wet the top layer of veneer will fall off.
On the other hand the Robbins Elite I'm making my outrigger floats with should last for a fair old while.
When you consider the time and materials (especially if you're using epoxy) you put into using the ply the extra cost must be worth it.
 
I agree the BS1088 Marine Ply can included some poor grade material. Some exterior ply can be as good as some of it. The only way to be sure of getting good marine ply is to check what type of timber the ply is made up of. As in many things you get what you pay for.
 
One area where pywood does vary whether it is "marine" or "exterior" is in the number of veneers, some marine 6mm is only 3 laminates, some exterior is 5 or more, can make a huge difference in the strength depending upon how the ply is laid. Possibly more relevant in the case of dinghies. Make enquiries prior to purchase, occasionally one thick veneer in the centre with two very thin veneers as the face veneers, obviously considerably weak in one plane but stronger in the 90 degree alternative plane.

John Lilley
 
Come back Thames Marine ply!!! The difference between this product and the marine ply that is available today is marked currently working with some 30 year old 8 lamination 3/4 inch Teak faced ply
I have been told that the overseas ply manufacturers ask what coding is required to be stamped on their product as it all comes off the one production run. (don't quote me)
The product that I have found to be the most consistant and without voids has been Brunzeel Plywood and as close to BS1088 as I have found.
If your are sheathing the plywood and you are not putting tooo much stress by bending tight radii the less expensive "marine" ply or good quality "exterior" could be used and if voids are spotted fill with Epoxy
 
I intend to use B&Q exterior grade ply for my Selway Fisher rowing boat. As you state it is completely sheathed and doesn't live afloat so I don't think it will make a jot of difference. I've subjected B&Q WBP Brazil ply to some quite serious leave outdoors abuse over the years and been ipressed by it resilience... Iain
 
Having \"been there\" -

I wouldn't be tempted by any Far Eastern ply. It may look good in the sheet but the underlying construction is poor. More importantly the timbers used are very oily which means that the adhesive between layers doesn't adhere well, the timbers within lose their oils and create more voids.

It would appear also from other posts that the BS rating has no value as there is no control and no comeback if it is not to specification.

Surely your labour is worth more than £18 per sheet??
 
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