I am restoring my [1968] 13-footer. The hull is almost done, and I'll be moving onto the interior soon. But the cost of mahogany lumber is going to be more than what I paid for the entire boat, motor, and trailer combined. I know mahogany is one of the best woods, but there has to be other types of wood that are close and at a lower cost.
What are the best alternatives to Mahogany?
Oak?
Maple?
Glassed and pained marine plywood?
Other? I'd really prefer to see wood grain though.
[Do you have] thoughts? Ideas?
Thanks.
Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
You could try 'Apitong'. It's often used in truck beds, or heavy equipment trailers. Looks similar to Mahogany and costs a lot less.
It's not the easiest to finish, and pre-drilling holes is a must when screwing together pieces. It's been used in boat construction, and wears well outside.
I believe they even sell 'Apitong Oil' as a finish, however I don't know how well it would hold up in a marine environment.
It's not the easiest to finish, and pre-drilling holes is a must when screwing together pieces. It's been used in boat construction, and wears well outside.
I believe they even sell 'Apitong Oil' as a finish, however I don't know how well it would hold up in a marine environment.
Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
Douglas fir is what I use for inexpensive outdoor wood. But I usually paint it.
If you want it to look like Mahogany you should buy Mahogany.
Con
If you want it to look like Mahogany you should buy Mahogany.
Con
!987 Outrage 18 / 2011 Yamaha F150
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
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Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
I used Sapele and looks lovely with 13 coats of Epifanes.
Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
Sapele would be a great alternative.
Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
Genuine Mahogany has many names, including Honduran Mahogany, Peruvian Mahogany, Bolivian Mahogany, South American Mahogany, Big Leaf Mahogany, etc. It has a slightly lighter color than mahogany from Africa and I believe this is what Whaler used on the classic models 9' - 17' of years past.
Good alternative woods that have a similar look feel are:
- African Mahogany
- Sipo
- Utile
- Sapele
- Spanish Cedar (it's a softer wood)
This is Sipo that I laminated up with soft maple for a teak and holly look so you can get a feel for the color.
D-
Good alternative woods that have a similar look feel are:
- African Mahogany
- Sipo
- Utile
- Sapele
- Spanish Cedar (it's a softer wood)
This is Sipo that I laminated up with soft maple for a teak and holly look so you can get a feel for the color.
D-
Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
Sapele is the wood of choice for marine trim work. It is not really mahogany, its a type of cedar. Its a lot cheaper than real mahogany, it has a better look, and is easier to find than Phillipine mahogany. I haven't bought any in five or six years but I used to pay $5.00 a board foot. As I remember a stock 13 footer used about 28 board feet, so that is only $140. Honduras mahogany, (the only real mahogany) is very expensive and was never used as a marine wood, its used for furniture.
rich
rich
Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood
Also sapele and African mahogany are the same wood.
rich
rich