I've just got the Greenland kayak plans by Chris Cunningham from Sea Kayaker magazine and would like some advice about which wood to use. The choices here (Sydney, Australia) are limited compared to North America.

Commonly available softwoods are Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir (locally known as Oregon) and pine, which is pinus radiata or "radiata pine", OK for furniiture and some construction work but often full of knots. Also Pacific Maple/Meranti which is very open grained and I wouldn't think suitable for marine use.

Common hardwood is Tasmanian Oak, generic name for a number of eucalypt species.

Any thoughts on what to use, given these choices?