A method of manufacturing a composite panel with lauan or another moisture-carrying or moisture-absorbing material, and the panel so made, are provided. A layer of gel coat is formed on a mold surface, a wet laminate containing a resin is applied to the layer of gel coat on the mold surface, a substrate of lauan or another moisture-carrying or moisture-absorbing material is placed on the wet laminate, and the combination is cured. Prior to curing, there is provided a layer of a bonding promoter at the interface of the substrate with the wet laminate, additional to any amount of promoter(s) present in the resin of the wet laminate.