Whoops! First post and first fail - here are the images I meant to insert -

It sure does not look like reputable okoume plywood. Quality okoume will have many equal layers of wood as a core  - yours looks crumbly. Does your ply have a Lloyds stamp on it? I bet not -  I have never ever found a great deal on real okoume plywood which is why it costs so much for high quality sheets. CLC has competive okoume prices for mail order delivery - a search for dealers of Joubert okoume may find another one nearer you. Quality okoume, while seemingly expensive, will actually be the least of your costs in the long run. 

Thanks for that. I was afraid that might be the case. It doesn't have a Lloyds stamp on it.

I should have mentioned I am in New Zealand, so CLC mail order for plywood isn't a great option unfortunately.

In fact I didn't try to skimp on this - I went to a shop that specialises in plywood (plyman.co.nz) and I asked for the ply to use for S&G kayak building. It cost me about USD$40 a sheet. Looking at thier website, I wonder if I ended up with GVPly B/BB (Gaboon faced MLH)  rather than Gaboon (European) Marine BS1088 by mistake... I'll give them a call.

Is there any point in proceeding with this wood, or would it be a lost cause?

Nice SUP.

One response is: With all the time you will invest in the boat, why continue with questionable wood?    

Joel

Right. I believe you need to purchase the BS1088 ply panels. I notice that the 6mm ply has 5 layers in Gabon (okoume) plywood. 3 & 4mm are 3 layers but usually of equal thickness. I also read the specification sheet and noticed that the origin is China/Europe for the marine BS 1088. I've only used European okoume with good results but have heard many complaints about Chinese plywood. I'd see if I could get only  European ply.

Thanks Robert & Joel for you comments.

I agree it's not going to be worth me going ahead with this wood. I'll try and get it exchanged but I'll be gutted if I can't as I'll be about USD$180 down.

Re the China/Europe thing I might not have a choice - I'll need to get the ply from the same place otherwise I doubt they will entertain a straight refund. If they refuse point blank I'll go elsewhere and def try to get the fancy Euro stuff! 

   You could try http://www.denmanmarine.com.au/ there are in Tasmania  thay make CLC kits for Australia and all so sell European okoume ply by the sheet 

   Looks like the stuff that I buy and use here in Brisbane. Not the best but usable. Biggest challenge is getting decent scarfs with the thin outer veneers.

do a search for Pax20 surf ski. It's made out the same stuff. Maybe consider a painted  hull or a stripped deck to draw the eye away from the hull.

cheers