The thread is getting away from alternative materials too soon. I got some USDA experimental, treated chicken feathers to try as composite reinforcement. Unfortunately, old-timey polyester did not wet the feathers..... maybe I should try again. I gave up before trying epoxy, and never had vinylester.
Note that carbon fiber is not wet by polyester either...but vinylester apparently does the trick for the new carbon boats. Comments?
RE: Tortured plywood- The hydrofoil wooden A-cat flying 2 hulls in this image is 36 years old and still flying.