Given the unique requirements of the boating industry, APA has developed specific recommendations that best address the needs of the boat manufacturer. Combined with readily available preservative treatments, plywood can provide long-term structural performance as boat components. This guide provides specification details for best performance and provides reference to a vast information base on plywood. The standard defines the following panel attributes that are important for the marine industry. Over 60 wood species may be used in the structural plywood industry.
Coniferous species are the dominant and preferred species for boat manufacturing applications.
The most popular of such species is Douglas-fir. Other species include southern pine, western larch and western firs. Veneer grading is based on the size and frequency of natural growth characteristics such as knots, knot holes and splits. Virtually all structural plywood made today uses waterproof phenolic resins which maintain the bond during moisture exposure. Today, manufacturers of industrial grades of plywood have very tight controls over how plywood is made.