> Hi folks,

> In considering woods for the kayak, I came across some cherrywood
> furniture in a store the other day and was blown away by the rich deep
> deep redwine luster of this terrific wood. Its depth of luster and
> strength of hue is quite dazzeling. I'm quite taken up with it. Trouble is
> I dont know squat about cherrywood, or even if its rosewood - and if
> infact theres even a difference between the two. I also dont kno if its a
> weak or a strong wood, or even suitable for a kayak due to the bending
> involved. Lastly, is this amazing wood more exspensive than Phillipine
> Mahogany?

> Incidentaly, I had this masochistic idea of using teak for the lower
> hull-to-keel as added strength. Anyone ever do this - or use teak atr all
> on a kayak? I know the stuff is nasty to cut. If teak is not a practical
> option Im looking at doing the lower hull-to-keel in long leaf pine with a
> 4" strip of kevlar down the keel line.

> Again Thanks folks. A lot of you have been instrumental in helping me out
> here.

> Pete

> Thanks folks!

> Pete Shopping for Wood

Pete That beautiful deep red/wine color of Cherry and/or Rosewood comes from age and some major oxidation on the surface. Cherrywood, when cut or sanded loses that gorgeous color, and looks more like mahogany or possibly redwood. You could stain it as most furniture builders do now days, but, then, what's the point. You could use it and over the next year or so, watch your boat get more beautifull with time. That's why they tell you don't sand and refinish antiques. It ruins them. If you saw new furniture with that colot, it was stained. If it was old, it was the real wood. Rosewood is similar, but, does have more of the true rich color when worked. Cherry is a great choice for color, but, don't expect it to look like that furniture over night. Don't know about Rosewood, but, You will probably find that Cherry is hard to find in pieces longer than 6 or 8 ft. Pricy too!! Would make a nice accent color.

Rehd