Thanks for the suggestions!
Dave, I have not handled the Bluewater 26 but I have worked a little with the Okoume and AB Fir and there is a noticeable difference in weight as well as quality. I am going by the Bruynzeel Okoume 18mm specs when stating the weight. The literature says a 4 x 8 x 3/4 sheet is 52#. There are 2CF of plywood in a ¾” sheet so that makes it 26 lbs. per cubic ft. It’s very dry wood and I think it gets a little heavier if not stored dry but not a lot.
As far as the NidaCore for the deck I am not fixed on it, I have only seen test results and reviews, no first-hand experience. It seems to be more rigid than other products when laminated but also more difficult to work with – edges require filling or capping and almost no screw holding strength. I saw test data with 2 layers of 1708 top and one on bottom but I see that is not a practical layup. It sure is stiff though!
Flexpat, thanks for the layup schedule – that is great reference material.
Fishstretcher, I am not uncomfortable using wood but I definitely see the down side. There are plenty of old boats with good wood but they are all a screw hole away from trouble. I like the strength of wood/epoxy for a transom and I know how to attached stuff to it without letting water in. I’m still a little mixed on this one! Honestly part of it is the cost. The layup for the transom with Bluewater will cost more than I paid for the boat. I don't want to go cheap on my project but that stuff is pretty steep.
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