I have students in a high school woods class making clc style kayaks. Two would like to use a maple veneer for hatch covers and the coaming ring. They like the different color of the maple against the okoume.

The plywood is lumber core and 1/4" thick. It is not exterior grade. Has anyone done anything like this? Does the plywood really need to be exterior since we will coat with three coats of epoxy and several coats of spar finish?

thank you for any help.