I would like some input on plywood choices. I'm redoing my interior (seats and side pads) of my boat and some of the wood is trashed and needs to be replaces.

does this really require marine plywood or would a good quality plywood that is heavily coated in rustoleum enamel work just fine? looking at some of the wood it looks like normal plywood (has knots and voids) that lasted almost 30 years (interior too).
Since this is not a structural item i was hoping to use normal plywood as it is less than half, $40 vs $102 a sheet.

is there a better choice for paint/sealing than rustoleum enamel? i know it is used for painting bilges all the time with a hardener...

normal plywood will work just fine. it will probably last longer than 30 with somebody who replaces it and will take care of it.

back in the school days, marine plywood was defined as a standard plywood only the veneers were all free of voids (knots)- same adhesive / same wood species etc.just better/select veneers used

I have seen where the plywood was sealed in a very, very light cloth/resin and then finished in ???? just to totally seal the plywood off totally

Thanks for the replies, I went with 1/4 & 1/2 exterior plywood and cut them over the weekend. I still have some trimming to do then I will seal them up.

would the rustoleum enamel paint be fine for this? or is something else recommended



all the new pieces.


rotted pieces


slight overlap

I too would use something as a sealer first before putting any paint (or varnish) on them . Something that is much thinner and can penetrate the wood properly before a topcoat of any sort. Resin , if it's thin enough is a good idea. I'd go with epoxy . And remember , the edges are just as important as the main surfaces !

I resin coat them thin with acetone it sinks in thian evaporates Do the edges works great