Wide panels or narrow?

[Mark Lessard]

Hi everyone first posting,

I am building replacement exterior doors for a yacht out of mahogany. I have made the rails and stiles and I am ready to make the panels.

I need to make 4 panels 34" long by 22" wide. The question is do I use the 3/4" x 12" planks I have and make one glue seam, or do I rip it into strips alternating the grain?

Let say (2) 5" and (2) 6", I was planning on using a V-groove tongue and groove bit.

The real question is will wider boards be more stable than narrow one, or visa-versa?

One more thought does the answer apply to raised panel doors used on cabinets as well?

Thanks in Advanced,

Mark

[Tom Jones III]

Mahogany is so well behaved that I would keep the 12" planks with one glue seam.

[Jim Becker]

I would never rip a beautiful wide board if it can be avoided...

[Mark Lessard]

Thanks Guys, I really didnt want to rip a nice piece of wood. Will add the v-grooves to give it style.

Mark