> I just completed my Chesepeake 17, built from plans, from CLC over the
> weekend and for what it is worth I figured that I would share some
> observations with those interested. The boat was built using 1/8"
> ($8.00 per sheet) luan for the deck and hull. The hull is glassed nside
> and out with 6 oz. glass. The deck was precambered and glassed underneath.
> This makes the deck very rigid and installation is a one man job.
> 1/4" luan was used for bulkheads and top combing rim. The boat was built in
> approx. 35 hours and weighs about 44 pounds, without hatches. (large fillets,
> etc.) I used Raka epoxy (350 non-blushing
> hardener) and fiberglass for a total cost of about $300 for everything
> except for the seat.

My brother and I built 2 Chesapeake 17's for a total cost of $500. We used 4mm okoume for the hulls, and 1/8" lauan for the decks. We glassed only the outside of the hulls, (tape inside joints) and nothing on the deck. 6mm okoume bulkheads and coaming rim. It took us about 100 hours each, with hatches. We used Raka epoxy and glass too. Mine was also a tad overbuilt--I haven't weighed it, but I'm guessing 50- pounds.

Comparing my boat to yours, I'd venture to say that there's not much cost savings between okoume and lauan for the hull, if you're going to glass the entire inside of the hull, but lauan for the deck seems like a good savings, both in money and weight. (Disclaimer: I'm probably a bit biased!) You definitely kicked my butt in the labor department!!!

Enjoy paddling it--it's a good design, and it made me very comfortable in rougher waters.

Shawn