Proof of concept

[Texrob]

The cabin sole on my h27 was in bad shape and in need for replacing. Prices for a teak holly floor replacement are too expensive at this time. So my thought was to take some cheep plywood and stain it to match the interior wood work for the teak look. I used oak ply wood with some red mahogany stain that looked good enough. For the holly look I ran shallow ¼” wide groves with a router, about 1/16” deep. With ply wood the layers under the oak veneer varied too much in color. I ran down the groves with a paint pen and then varnished the whole thing. The picture is not the final product just proof of concept. Total cost for this piece is 1 day and about $25.00.

 

[Texrob]

 

[Patrick17430]

Wow. Nice work. I'd buy it.

 

[Brian D]

I think your proof of concept works. Unless one knows EXACTLY what teak is suppose to look like, then no one will notice and be any wiser to what your are doing. Oak, or teak, what difference does it make.

Good job.

 

[soldier1964]

hey texrob, that looks wonderful. work like that can start a trend. job well done

 

[Texrob]

Thanks!

I figure when one goes below they expect to see a teak and holly sole and the mind will tell them it is.

 

[Victory]

I agree with the idea, but not the choice of material. Since you're saving so much money why not opt for a higher quality plywood or even veneer? Cherry comes to mind. A sheet of cherry veneer can be purchased for less than $50.... lay it right over your ply and the use the same technique to create the grooves.
http://www.oakwoodveneer.com/veneer/cherry.html

Even with shipping cost your total will still be under $100, including your base plywood.

 

[Texrob]

I needed to replace the sole right away and this project was to see if it was a good idea or not. I now know what worked and what didn't. If I had spend any more on this and made the mistakes I made I would be pissed! For the price I am very happy with what I have.

 

[finding41]

Here is a tip. Next time extend the guide you used for the router by 1 1/2 router widths on each end. Clamp it tightly for nice strait lines.

 

[Don12364]

Looks good - but did you use 'Marine Ply' which is totally resistant to delamination when exposed to moisture - or was it WBP (water & boil proof) which is not.
Or worse, normal domestic quality plywood?

 

[31seahorse]

Hello Texrob,

Very nice job on the cabin sole. Your stain really does color match the other wood and fabric in your boat. For a test of the concept and your woodworking skills you hit a home run! Thanks for the pictures.

 

[rgranger]

Impressive

 

[TomY]

Brilliant! Nice work.

 

[Merlin Clark]

Looks good - but did you use 'Marine Ply' which is totally resistant to delamination when exposed to moisture - or was it WBP (water & boil proof) which is not.
Or worse, normal domestic quality plywood?

WPB is the glue that is used in marine and good exterior plywood on this side of the pond.

 

[Merlin Clark]

Your new "teak and holly" looks great Texrob!

 

[mark_swart]

I did something similar for a step/engine cover in my old H34. Works like a champ!

 

[BobT]

Nice job. Maintenance warning...The likelihood of having found marine grade plywood with an oak face is slim. Even finding an oak faced panel with exterior glue is a long shot. So you'll need to be a fanatic about keeping the sole piece sealed on all six sides or she'll be delaminating shortly.

 

[anchorclanker]

Thats a very economical fix. I wonder how plasteak would, or could be made to look.