I have built two boats out of lauan door skin ply and am quite happy with both. I am actually still fitting out my stitch & glue I built from Nick's plans. (They're on his site.) It isn't an easy boat to make but it sure does get compliments. I have heard opinions at both extremes on this topic and think it really comes down to the quality of the local supply. If the ply looks good and seems even I say go for it. Lauan ply is used for door skins and underlayment and if there are no obvious visible flaws I say go for it. It is a lot less painful to mess up a $8-10 sheet of lauan than a $40+ sheet of okume.

Bill Potter Columbia, MO