Replacement of veneered board

[Rich]

Looks like I need to replace the board which backs the companionway ladder on my 35.5 Legend. The current board appears to be teak veneer and is in not-so-good shape. Anyone out there have recommendations for a replacement? If you recommend teak veneer...where's the cheapest?I've also read about a synthetic material called Starboard...anyone have experience with this?

 

[Jim Ewing]

Is it a bulkhead?

I've just been doing a lot of woodwork on my 37.5 and the question I would answer is whether it is part of a bulkhead that is (more or less) a structural element or if it is just a trim piece for cosmetics. I'm assuming it's the vertical piece of wood immediately under the companionway? If that piece ties into the bulkhead aft of the galley and head then you'll have to be careful. Maybe just sand off the existing veneer and re-veneer it. If it's just trim there are probably some screws to remove it (maybe with a trim plug).Yuo can get teak from Hunter which is a good choice if they still have the pattern in the computer for your boat. From a local teak shop or mail order on the internet. In my recent experience the best value was a local teak shop even though I had to by full 4'x8' sheets of plywood.Jim"Prospect"

 

[Pat Spino]

Teak Veneer

I have a similar problem Legend 35.5. The bottom edge of the ladder panel is delaminating from the abuse of removing and replacing the panel. I added a teak batten to the bottom of the panel so that it "sits" on the frame base and efectively hides the trouble area. Maybe this solutions will work for you. "Starboard" is a really nice plastic type of material that is very easy to cut, drill and work. I know it comes in white, but other colors may be available. They make cockpit tables and drink holders, amoung other things, out of the material. You can buy it in sheets. I don't know if you will be able to buy it in the size needed for your panel. Also, I think the teak veneer looks better with the Legend interior. If I were doing the replacement I would go with the teak ply/veneer.Good luck,Pat

 

[SteveC]

Veneers.....

I have been dealing with Constantine's, 2050 eastchester road, Bronx NY. They have just about everything you could want for woodworking. All sorts of veneers. Not sure about price competiveness. Have ordered teak veneers for my old 30, oak for my 37.. Seems like there's always something that needs attention, upgrading... I have an old no. for ordering, you might try it for a catalog...800 223 8087...

 

[Rich]

Thanks, Pat

Pat...Thanks for your reply regarding the batten...excellent idea!!! The problem you describe on your Legend is the same one I have...delam at bottom of ladder board. Your solution sounds like the most cost-effective without destroying the looks of the interior.Thanks again...Rich

 

[Tim Schaaf]

Starboard

We have replaced lots of the plywood on our docks with Starboard. It is, indeed, very easy to work with. It comes in sheets as big as 4 by 8, and can be custom ordered larger. The price is based upon weight, so twice as thick is twice as much, etc. Be very careful with large, unsupported spans, however, as it is a lot more flexible than plywood. It also can expand with heat, much more so than plywood. I think it has lots of boating applications, bearing all this in mind, but, in my opion, it would really stick out in the place you are talking about. Might be good in the head or galley or cockpit, however.