Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
NewEnglandWhaler
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon May 07, 2018 12:24 am

Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby NewEnglandWhaler » Sun Jul 08, 2018 8:24 pm

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.

El Rollo
Posts: 87
Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby El Rollo » Mon Jul 09, 2018 9:57 am

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.

ConB
Posts: 248
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 2:52 pm
Location: Suttons Bay, MI

Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby ConB » Mon Jul 09, 2018 10:35 am

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
!987 Outrage 18 / 2011 Yamaha F150
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller

Mattwarner
Posts: 56
Joined: Sun Sep 25, 2016 1:57 pm

Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby Mattwarner » Tue Jul 10, 2018 7:57 am

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

El Rollo
Posts: 87
Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby El Rollo » Wed Jul 11, 2018 10:27 am

Sapele would be a great alternative.

dtmackey
Posts: 760
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:29 pm

Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby dtmackey » Thu Jul 12, 2018 10:27 pm

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.

Image

D-

Binkster
Posts: 113
Joined: Mon Nov 02, 2015 7:55 am

Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby Binkster » Tue Aug 07, 2018 11:31 pm

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

Binkster
Posts: 113
Joined: Mon Nov 02, 2015 7:55 am

Re: Good Alternatives to Mahogany Wood

Postby Binkster » Tue Aug 07, 2018 11:34 pm

Also sapele and African mahogany are the same wood.

rich