by kermwood » Thu Dec 29, 2005 6:49 am
As you can see paul you once you go weight to weight ratio you have to think about strength too.
l work daily with formica/laminates and while they can be suitable for decking,l sheared away from using them
(1)Because in low tempertures they become brittle.
(2)Formica is by design made to be stuck down to a surface and only the top surface is waterproof and it is possible for the back of sheet to absorb moisture and distort unless treated.
And as Doug said l think also that fibreglass is lighter,but Unless you want the deck to have a wood grain finish why not forget the balsa and just use fibreglass sheet.It is easy to use, very light and in a wide choice of colours to suit the hulls.
And as for strength we all build for the deck to be light and so in some coming togethers nothing will stop damage accuring.
Woody