Roger,

As noted in the other respnose, we use Meranti marine plywood in many of our kayaks. The ply we have is 4mm BS 1088 marine grade plywood. It is actually a high grade of Luan, but nothing like the Home Depot, etc. stuff. As mentioned, it is mostly darker than Okoume (sp), although we have some that is about the same shade. We have some that is light colored, some that is medium brownish with heavy grain patterns, and some that is medium dark with a curly grain pattern (like fiddle-back maple).

It is a bit stiffer and harder than Okoume, and splinters more when cutting. A sheet weighs between 1 and 2 pounds more than Okoume. I actually like the stiffness, it seems to hold the kayak shape better and it is easier to get a symetrical hull shape. I assume that the hardness means it soaks up less epoxy (which probably compensates for the slightly heavier wood weight) but we have had no problems with bonding, etc.

Hope this helps. I would say "go for it". I think it makes a nicer boat. Okoume is toooo bland for my taste.

Grant Goltz
Squeedunk kayaks