What are the best screws to use for plywood boat building and can i use planks for a flat bottom with epoxy.?

Brass screws were commonly used in marine applications for years. Stainless steel would be ok as well, but I lean towards brass. I do have personal experience in this and have built several small boats with plywood hulls. Brass has always served me well, and should I again build a boat, I will be using brass screws. Marine epoxy paint would be my choice in the painting of a boat. I don't think I would again use planks for the bottom. I have built Joh boats with plank bottoms but there are problems with this. Basically, they tend to leak. As long as they are in the water and soaked up, the boards will swell and seal against each other, but they must be kept wet all the time. If they dry out, they shrink and start leaking badly. If you paint and seal the entire plank where it is "waterproof" before installing, it is nearly impossible to mate them tight enough to the adjacent planks to seal completely. Very unsatifactory. I would consider marine plywood instead of planks. I really think you will be happier with the result. I know that there are boat building books availble which would have valuable information for you to consider. I think I would do some serious research before deciding on a plank bottom! Hope this helps! DP

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+ For years plywood boats were just coated with oil based paint. You can bend and screw the plywood to your frame(the better way is to steam it to shape). The plywood should conform if the boat is not too big and you are making a small skiff or row boat. most people use bronze screws but depending on how long you want it to last, you could use others just remember that even stainless steel and galvanized fittings will rust in ocean water or if given enough exposure. If you plan on using an engine the transom will need to be reinforced and braced(even a small outboard). After your paint dries put the boat on saw horses and fill it with water as a test for both strength and water tightness. Good Luck, as you can find used boat for pretty cheap this time of year and just improve them, or is it the challenge that you are going for. The thickness of the wood depends on your size and weight carrying requirements. Marine plywood holds up longer. Be your own judge. Is the boat disposable and for light duty. How many years do you plan on using it?

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I'm sure others will also answer but I would think about the treated deck screws. They SEEM to be very good in such applications. What about a urethane finish? I think a boat that had the look of all natural wood would be really nice looking. I am not sure if this has marine uses or not?!

Just a couple of ideas

Marine Screws

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Brass screws would be thebest, but stainless steel would d. You can use epoxy on the bottom. West System id good. Avoid masonite around water, but as a template it would do.

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