Hello

Okoume is a beautiful wood with a great reputation among new boatbuilders, yet after speaking to many of them, I can only conclude one thing. It's main purpose is too dazzle the newcomer into buying an overpriced plywood. BS1088 is touted as the ultimate spec for boatbuilding ply. Registered at Lloyd's of London and manufactured to strict British standards, yippee, so was the Titanic. All the builders I spoke to would never have used okoume if they had known of the alternatives available. MDO is used for long-term outdoor signboard and is more durable and solid than okoume plywood, although a bit heavier.

As an alternative, 80 sheets of 3mm 3-ply marine plywood sell for about 1200 to 1300 dollars CDN right here in Canada. Fifty sheets of 5 ply 3/8" are about 1350-1400 dollars. The test spec (CSA clause 7.3 Type 1 Exterior Test)is rigorous and will satisfy a majority of enlightened newbies. I am also saving a few thousand dollars on the cost of my 45ft catamaran which will go to more or better nav gear.

Of course if re-sale is your criteria, by all means use okoume. But for your own personal goal, save yourself a bundle of cash and use it to build something larger or better quality equipment.

Best Regards and Best of Luck, Yan Stambouli