Replacing 1” mdf- best option with ply?

[qwiketz 10+ year member]

Hi all. I thought this would be pretty straight forward and I would replace my 1” mdf on an existing baffle with 25mm birch ply but the local places don’t have that. One place said they have 1/2”, 3/4” and 1 1/8”. The 1 1/8” is some type of floor type stuff.

this is in a boat and I’m looking to go to something stronger than mdf to help reinforce the bulkhead since I’m chopping out a decent amount going from a 12” to a 18” sub.

should I go with something like the thicker one or double up two 1/2” or evengo with a1/2” and a 3/4” tied together good? Woofer will be a fi ib3 attached to this. I’m thinking I’m probably okay with a doubled up 1/2” but thought I’d ask guys that know much more than I do. Thanks in advance!

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[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

3/4" Plexy glass.. I use duct tape on both sides to cut out the hole

 

[qwiketz 10+ year member]

I’m asking about plywood combinations.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

I’m asking about plywood combinations.

I’m asking about plywood combinations.

Your second paragraph States its a BOAT, and looking to go to something stronger than MDF to Help to Reinforce.
My answer was... Plexiglass.
Being a boat.. One would think that it would be exposed to WATER, and or Moisture (even if the Boat is not stored properly )of which MDF is a very POOR source to be used in the first place as well as any type of wood that would get wet, swell and or become infested with Mold eventually and soften to become weak and become a waste of time and money for the purpose intended, unless you fiberglass, seal and paint to suit the enclosure from any moisture. So..
I recommended Plexyglass of which would be strong enough to meet your needs as well as being water resistant for the intended location of the enclosure, and would prob. last longer than the woofer installed and maybe even the boat itself, and to me... that would be money well spent

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

I would stack two together to make the baffle, use lot's of wood glue between them, clamp, let fully dry and go from there. 1/2"+1/2" or 1/2"+3/4" would both make very strong baffles to support the sub. Could do 3/4"+3/4" and make it super strong.

 

[Mix Audio]

I live in Maine and am around boats a LOT. I own a 40’ lobster/dive boat as well as multiple fresh water pleasure and fishing boats, all of which have some sort of sound system in them. Personally, I’d install a few baffles and fiberglass the entire enclosure. The baffles will stiffen the box and the fiberglass will not only stiffen it as well, but also waterproof it. A little color matching pigment in the gel coat will give it a factory look. You can go with white birch but you may have to mortgage your house to buy a sheet….I’m a contractor during the off-season and I only use birch for custom cabinets and high end finish work. Stuff is pricy as hell!