GRP/Ply/Epoxy

[PeterI]

I'm considering buying a trailer sailer and Swallow Boats Bay Raider looks good; tried it out at Beale Park. They have three different build materials. GRP (£12k), Plywood Epoxy (but it's only 1/4 inch ply)(£13k) and Glassfibre reinforced Epoxy(£14k).
Just wondered what thoughts were about the plusses and minuses were of the different options. The boat will be stored out of the water. I guess you get what you pay for.
Have looked at other boats but need one with shallow draft and a mast that hinges down easily.

 

[Lakesailor]

As you are keeping the boat off the water, the extra security of the epoxy laminated boat may be overkill as you aren't going to be risking water absorption or osmosis (do boats still develop osmosis?). The ply/epoxy boat should be plenty strong enough with 6mm ply, but you won't have a mould finished gel coat so it may not look quite as good. If the worst should happen and you need repairs the wooden boats could be a bit more fiddly.
Even the thought that the epoxy boat may hold value better isn't much of a draw as it is dearer to start with.
If I was you, and I've had grp and wood/epoxy, I would go for the grp and spend the extra on some nice touches.

Except that most wooden boats sound nicer on the water, if you know what I mean

 

[Alfie168]

Well I'd tentatively suggest the following.

Ply boats tend to be stiffer in the hull than their GRP siblings, unless the GRP hull has additional stiffeners, so they tend to sail better upwind. However on the downside even epoxied ply will eventually admit damp into the endgrain and begin the rot process, albeit very slowly. Also any damage would admit moisture. Finally, lets face it, ply is not really fashionable these days..on the " wood=trouble "rule, no matter how unfair this might be if properly constructed and epoxied. A Ply boat may prove difficult to sell when/if the time comes.

GRP on its own has proven its longevity, even though I don't think it is as attractive as well finished/varnished marine ply. My 1984 GRP boat would hardly be in as good nick had it been ply, and most likely would have needed some surgery by now. As it is, its not pristine, but its pretty solid as far as I know (and surveyed fine)

Epoxying the GRP just gives an additional protective layer, as with the epoxied ply, so is probably the best option for hull longevity and resale, unless you buy the GRP boat and epoxy it yourself cheaper (depending on your DIY skills.)

I hope there is a glimmer of logic in my ramblings.

Tim

 

[MikeBz]

[ QUOTE ]
Epoxying the GRP just gives an additional protective layer

[/ QUOTE ]

If by "Glassfibre reinforced epoxy" they mean a glassfibre laminate made using epoxy resin instead of polyester resin then it's a very different thing. Laminates made with epoxy rather than polyester are far superior (strength and durability).

Mike

 

[PeterI]

Quote:

If by "Glassfibre reinforced epoxy" they mean a glassfibre laminate made using epoxy resin instead of polyester resin

Yes I think that's what they mean.

Many thanks for your replies. The ply is painted so the look isn't that great. I agree there's nothing like varnished wood, but if it's painted then GRP or GREpoxy is probably guaranteed less trouble.
Peter

 

[Alfie168]

I misread the 'epoxied GRP bit'. You are all quite right of course, and I am standing in the corner /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Tim

 

[Mattn]

Peter,
One of my customers pointed me at this thread, so I couldnt help but respond...
The Plywood on the bottom of the Epoxy/ply BayRaider is sheathed inside and out with 450gram biax glass, adding a huge amount of strength and increasing the hull thickness to 10mm. We have never had a failure. The glass and epoxy is hugely strong and superb at abrasion resistance.

I would urge you to come for a test sail here in West Wales. We will also be exhibiting at Southampton Boat Show, 12th-21st, with a Storm 17 and a BayRaider on the stand.

Hope to see you soon.

Best wishes,
Matt Newland

www.swallowboats.com