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How much are you guys spending on Mahogany for rear bench?
I am going to install a rear bench on my 15' Whaler and was going to go for a painted, single piece of mahogany. A used bench came across on Craigslist for $50, which I thought would be cheaper than buying the raw wood by itself. I called the local shop and they wanted $11 a foot for 12" wide x 3/4" thick mahogany. The craigslist bench is 59" wide by 16". What do you think? Good deal? I haven't found anywhere that offers a 16" wide piece of mahogany so I figure I would have to glue that up.
how thick? The bench seats should be a full 4/4 so your looking for a board that is 1 inch think, not your normal nominal 3/4. Where I purchase my lumber 5/4 Honduran Mahogany is selling for $13.00 per board foot
World Panel Products in Riviera Beach has good prices on rough sawn timber, however, it's a little bit of a drive from Tampa...there is a $100 MINIMUM shipping charge - but that's good for up to 300 lbs of timber - at least that's the cost to me in West Central Alabama.
I've found good prices on Mahogany (8.99/bd ft) from a semi-local Woodcraft store...you may be able to source it that way, but they also may need to order for you.
If you're finding a pre-made seat that is ready to go for $50 and it meets your aesthetic requirements, then I'd go for it!
A seat from Specialty Marine with the seatback will cost around $500 delivered...and it will come on-time and is a good product. I've ordered from them. The only problem is that for the stern seat, they're using a lighter (weight) species of mahogany, which has also translated to a more plain looking bit of lumber - and a lighter color as well..so it may not match existing mahogany or teak in your boat.
I complained to them about that, and they sent me an older stock version that they had on the shelves that was heavier and darker - and better matched the wood on my boat....and they did it (including the return shipping for the original one they sent)...for free.
I'm pretty happy with my experience at all three companies I've mentioned.
Also - if you're planning to paint it, skip the mahogany and go with a less expensive grade of lumber. Douglas Fir would be a decent selection. No need to waste a beautiful piece of lumber if you're going to cover it with paint!
