shil wrote:A
Scarf joints are used in boatbuilding because, more often than not, the builder is bending the plywood and a scarf joint won’t change the ‘flex’ of the ply as much as a backer block does. I agree that a scarf joint is stronger.
I failed to mention that my butt joints with the backing strip were placed where there was no curvature. It was john boat design, and I made sure that where the sides and bottom began to curve in and upward to the narrower flat bow, it was all one piece of plywood. And the side joints and bottom joints were staggered so that they did not join at the same location. That boat got a heckofalot more flexing and stress on the water, running over rough water under power, and with people walking in it, than a trailer will receive riding flat on a chassis...and there was never a problem with the joints separating. And I never used anything but Elmer's wood glue back then. It'l be Titebond III and Gorilla glue for me now.
Since the trailer walls are flat, I have absolutely no structural concerns with using the butt joint. On the top, the butt joints will be placed where the curvature is minimal.
If the butt joint is used, one should definitely put a backing strip/block or spar behind the entire length of the joint to keep it from "opening" from vibration or stress. My vertical backing piece will lap joint with a horizontal framing member that runs from front to rear for stiffening the sides.
As Shil said, it worked for me. If anyone else thinks they need more solid or secure joints, go for it. It's your trailer and you should build it the way that you feel is best. And I certainly am not saying my way is best, but, just the way I want to do it. Time will tell if it holds up well. That's one of the ways we learn and share our experiences.