CONTINUOUSWAVE

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.

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.

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

I used Sapele and looks lovely with 13 coats of Epifanes.

Sapele would be a great alternative.

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-

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

Also sapele and African mahogany are the same wood.

rich