Okume Plywood

[180]

I am having difficulty locating a source of Okume plywood. Are there any sources within 100 miles of St. Louis, Missouri? I'm kind of leary about getting 4'x8' sheets shipped by UPS..

[CyberRebel]

UPS won't handle 4x8 sheets. It'll be shipped by a reputable trucking company, such as the one I work for.
Also, I am using Okoume to build my boat... the best deal I've found is at www.harborsales.com
Check out the "BBX Okoume" they offer. It's actually made by Shelman and is as nice as their "Shelmarine" (the most expensive brand) excepting that the face plies are a bit thin. I love the stuff and would recommend it to anyone. I don't know what shipping will cost you though, since I am in Baltimore and they ship to businesses here for free. (I have it shipped to work!) Also, check out the prices on Meranti ply at www.noahsmarine.com Meranti is slightly heavier than Okoume, but not as heavy as Fir.

[Scott Dunsworth]

I also was not wanting to order plywood, but could not locate any in southern Indiana. So I ordered five sheets of 1/4 inch Okoume from Noahs and it got here in five days in perfect condition. Good luck. Scott

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

Try Cedar Tree, Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa, www.cedartreeinc.com, phone: 515-243-1845.

I know they have sold Okoume to customers in Colorado, so St. Louis shouldn't be much of a stretch for them.

[Shalfleet]

One important issue is that you should check the quality before you buy. I bought 3 sheets and built our boat, only to find that it is less than a 1/4 inch thick, with comparatively thin outer layers of veneer. It was also significantly less stiff than the ply from another source. Next time I will be asking for a sample, and not skimping on the odd $10 or $20 a sheet. Having a BS standard is important, but this in no way is assurance that you have the best.

[Remove me from this thing.]

I was having the same problem here in Billings, MT trying to find decent Okume plywood. Most of the lumber yards hadn't even heard of it! Fortunately, the place I got my lawn sprinkler parts from has a small specialy wood store in the back, primarily for cabinets and gun stocks. They order Okume for me from some place in Oregon, but the freight charge is huge! They also carry 1/4" Okume right in the shop that looks exactly like what I order. I can't see any voids on the edges, so I think the difference between this and the "marine grade Okume" that I order must be the glue. Anyone have any thoughts on that? I'm gearing up for another boat in a week or so and I am leaning heavily on using what they have in stock.

[capt jake]

Not local for your but they have great prices. Nice folks to deal with also. They can even send a sample.edensaw

[NormMessinger]

Check the thickness of the face veneers. There would be five layers in good Marine ply, all the same thickness. Both face veneer would be good, the "B" side only slightly rougher. I'm not so sure there would be much difference in the glue but was told by a supplier that their marine ply had a funguscice in it. I've not seen confirmation of that anywhere else.

--Norm