That is a very nice and capable looking craft, Ben. Not sure dory is the right word to use but that's what it reminds me of a bit. Am I correct in assuming it's plywood?I agree.The dink isn't really a dory in the strictest sense.Yes,they're built from standard exterior plywood.I am planning to use a quality hardwood plywood.It will be a little more difficult to make the bends,but I think it will make it without breaking.
If it is (or whatever kind of wood) something you might consider if you haven't already is "painting" all the wood components with CPES as. or before, you assemble the dinghy. The CPES will penetrate into the upper layers of wood cells and then cure, in effect sealing the wood against moisture intrusion. It's epoxy so you can't leave it exposed to UV or it will break down but I assume you'd be painting the boat. (A bright finish provides UV protection, too, which is why a lot of us on the GB forum use CPES on raw wood before applying whatever bright finish we use.).The entire boat will be epoxy coated.I may use CPES.The plan is to sheath the outer hull with one layer of 6oz fiberglass boat cloth.The plan is to paint the exterior with a hull coating like used on runabouts,the interior will be something like awl grip,the seats,and rails will be finished bright.When I build,I plan to seal the area under the seats to make air box flotation chambers in case a junk ski or b-ass boat tries to swamp us.It's happen to me in Jboats a few times.
The advantage of CPES over other epoxies is that it's real thin, like diesel fuel, so it soaks deeper into the wood than other epoxies.
CPES is NOT intended to hold things together. It's only purpose is to soak into and seal wood cells.
Very familiar with CPES.When I was working in my friends upholstery shop,we coated all wood with CPES before covering the wood.It's the only thing we could find that would get deep enough to protect the wood after we stapled the covers on.Have I mentioned lately that I hate pontoons.
In any event, regardless of how you finish it, it appears to be a great design and will probably be a lot of fun to build.Thanks.I think it will be a quick fun build.