ply gunwhales

Tor · Post by **Tor** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:28 am

It's in all the plans but what's the best way to do it and is there any examples out there?

I assume its better to laminate up some strips say 6-9mm at the correct length before bending them?

Tor

Post by **jem** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:32 am

if you want to use ply for your gunwales, laminate onto the hull one layer at a time otherwise they won't bend to fit the hull.

hairymick · Post by **hairymick** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:41 am

G'day Tor,

What boat mate? and in particular, why do you want to use ply for gunwhales?

Your choice of course, but be aware, ply is difficult to edge bend and in my humble opinion still looks like - well - ply

Can you get long, clear Hoop pine? edge bends OK, is lighter than ply and probably stronger and again, just in my humble opinion mate, is way prettier.

Post by **jem** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:48 am

Ply gunwales would be ok if you were going to paint them a contrasting color. But as a clear finish, Mick is correct: They look like ply.

Tor · Post by **Tor** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 5:22 am

Thanks chaps, it was just a thought something a bit different and saves another trip to another yard as there tends to be a few off cuts from the sheets.

It was more a thought for a cheaper sailing dingy, yet to be planned....

As I mentioned it shows it in the plans and I wondered, as I do.

Tor