I have used two-by-fours, 2 one-by-fours glued together, partical board box beams, plywood box beams, aluminum rectangular tubing and round PVC schedule 40 drain pipe. All the boats came out fine. If you have a table saw you can construct your own beam. You can use a size other than 2" x 4", just adjust the size of the hole accordingly.

> Just getting started on a boat and already couild use some advice -
> Anybody have any great solutions for building/buying a box beam? I
> searched the archives but came up empty. I know that some recommend an
> aluminum beam, but I don't know where to find one and I suspect it is more
> unforgiving (when lining up forms) than a wooden equivalent.

> I've seen a box beam kit advertised for sale, but as it is made from
> plywood (I assume) and would be shipped from about 3500 miles from where I
> live I think I'd just as soon make my own. I'm not too interested in
> taking a chance on a clear piece of 2x4. Has anyone tried several 1x4
> pieces of pressboard laminated together?

> Any thoughts much appreciated.