Star Board - Like it or not?

[Captain Smollett]

What do you guys think of star board?

Personally, I hate the stuff.  Yes, it might have some uses, I guess, but...it's ugly - especially on a "traditional" looking boat.  Those advertising pictures in the catalogs "showing it off" look like some sort of abomination alfoat to my eye.

On the 'Net, I see all the time people recommending star board for structural components which to me is just nuts.  But oh well, their boats, their choices.

Full disclosure:  My drop boards are star board; I hate them and will replace 'em eventually.  Also, my electrical panel is star board.  I'll probably keep this one, but will 'purty it up' with some oak trim.  I had one stanchion backing plate made of star board, too.  It's long gone and replaced with epoxy coated plywood.   ;)

[tomwatt]

Starboard doesn't really figure in any of my boat plans. But I see it as a better, more affordable product for a large custom cutting board than going to the store and buying one of those giant white nylon cutting boards again... since that's what the silly cutting board is anyway. Way down my list is some galley rebuild notions, and starboard may figure into some of that.
I might consider it for a shower grating (if I had a shower onboard).
Otherwise, meh not so much.

[Auspicious]

I use it for shims and small custom brackets (like the base for fog horn/speaker on a spreader). I guess those are semi-structural. I don't much use it where I can see it.

[Tim]

Likewise I have used it for baseplates and fillers, swingout shelf for example.

[Oldrig]

Somebody gave me some scraps for use as backup plates if I mount any new hardware on my deck, but I haven't added anything yet. It seems like it's the same stuff that those plastic cutting boards are made from.

--Joe

[Captain Smollett]

Got an email earlier tonight from a fellow A-30 owner who said that a surveyor told him that star board was the PREFERRED material for backing pads for under the waterline through-hull fittings.


Uhhhggggghhhh.  Sorry, not me.

[Auspicious]

Maybe better than plywood.

[Godot]

I don't use it; but only because I haven't had a reason to use it.  Although I think a big piece of it might make a better backing plate for my outboard mount than the 1/2" plywood that is currently there.

As far as aesthetics, this is the same conversation I imagine the old time wooden boaters (heck, even modern day wooden boaters) have about fiberglass.

[Oldrig]

Got an email earlier tonight from a fellow A-30 owner who said that a surveyor told him that star board was the PREFERRED material for backing pads for under the waterline through-hull fittings.

That's how I ended up with my pieces: I was talking with the manager of the marina where my former office was located. I mentioned that I had read somewhere that Starboard was the preferred backing material for through-hulls and other items. He said that was true, and offered me some scraps from the shop.

But, like I said, I haven't ever had occasion to use the stuff.

--Joe

[s/v Faith]

I am sure there are uses for it, but I do not see many....

... the fact that it will not accept adhesive, and must rely on mechanical
fasteners pretty much limits it's structural use... I would not use it for a
backing plate since it is not likely to transfer loads well... if you point load
a flexible plastic board, it is going to create a point load on the other
side.

  I have seen a spectacularly unsuccessful attempt to use it as under
stanchion bases to distribute the load... there was almost no seal under
the starboard, the sealant used (something like 3M 4000) was unable to
seal to the plastic....

  Mounting a radar on a pole, it would be a good base.... or as a cutting board....
maybe (as has been mentioned) an outboard clamp board.... not fond of other
uses I have seen.

[CharlieJ]

For below the water line backing blocks I'd much prefer a lay up of fiberglass. Either some I laid up myself, or you can order pre-made thicknesses from places like McMaster-Carr.

Of course, in my opinion, the BEST thing is no holes, so no through hulls, so no backing blocks ;D

[tomwatt]

For below the water line backing blocks I'd much prefer a lay up of fiberglass. Either some I laid up myself, or you can order pre-made thicknesses from places like McMaster-Carr.
Of course, in my opinion, the BEST thing is no holes, so no through hulls, so no backing blocks ;D

Thank you for making me feel much better about my 'no through-hulls bloew the waterline' boat!
;D

[Leroy - Gulf 29]

To add to what CJ said, MaineSail has done an excellent write up on installing through hulls.  It's on my list of fun things to do on the Gulf before it goes back in the water, as all it presently has is fiberglassed tubes with gate valves.  ???  Starboard as any material would have its uses, but is not the prettiest stuff.