Starboard?

[Comanswoodwork]

OK so I posted a question a while back about using formica to line the inside of my plywood tank. Bad idea was the consensus and I agree. Ive come across another product recently from my plywood supplier that is called starboard. Its a composite material for outdoor/wet applications. I can get it in 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 inch thicknesses. white and black are the options. Im thinking about using the 1/4 inch version to line the tank and silicone the seams. Gotta see about silicone adhesion to the material first. Im thinking black bottom and white sides or the opposite. What do you guys think? Ever hear of it?

 

[krichardson]

Nope,never heard of it.

 

[Comanswoodwork]

I'm gonna get a piece of 1/4 inch on my next order and check it out. It's like $90. A piece of 3/4 is $270 and not really rigid like plywood. I'll let you know how it looks.

 

[krichardson]

It sounds really expensive for just plain looking panels but I'm looking forward to seeing it in place.

 

[Comanswoodwork]

I like the idea of a solid panel thats waterproof without the expense of acrylic or the mess of epoxy. If silicone adheres well it would be much faster and easier to build and seal a big plywood tank. At least in my mind it would be anyway. Cleaner looking for sure. Still exploring different ideas. Theres always another way to do things and im hoping to find a better one.

 

[Lepisosteus]

It's for wet areas not submerged. If you are thinking it's a solution to not using epoxy to seal it then it will not work. Any "board" will be permeable to water if not coated in a water resistant material.

 

[Lepisosteus]

Well I looked it up, it says it does not rot or swell but it did not say anything about permeability or water resistant or water tight. Expensive as well

 

[Comanswoodwork]

I think the real issue would be sealing the corners. Looks like there isn't much that sticks to it. I'm going to call them tomorrow. I don't think the cost is too much if its as good as indicated. I may end up going the pond shield route in the end but i've got time to explore other options yet. Ill report back after I talk to the company.

 

[Comanswoodwork]

Speaking on cost alone, How much pond shield would I need to adequately cover an 8 x 4 x 3 plywood tank? That stuff isnt cheap either and labor intensive. I would need 3 sheets of starboard to cover my entire interior. Thats $270.00. Just trying to get an idea of my actual build cost on the tank.

 

[stuckon]

Starboard is a marine quality hdpe sheet. Hdpe will be almost impossible to get silicone to adhere to. Sheets of abs could be used and is easily solvent welded together. 1/8 sheets of abs are around 40.00 a sheet.