We just launched a 14' Auk built from cypress. The wood was sawn from logs at a backyard sawmill, ripped and routed at my house! $75 for 2+ boats of wood. The cypress is super lightweight and builds great (the "heavy" reputation is from un-coated boats that must swell to seal, the water weighs more than the wood!). The finished color is like a honey with the various grains standing out darker. I have not weighed the boat, but is considerably lighter than the plastic ones a friend has (45 lbs). We had few other choices here in Mississippi so tried the cypress with excellent results. We will start a guillemot soon (after I try the 17 S.G. for kicks). Good luck and have fun!

: I'm considering building a Guillemot SK and would like to ask several
: questions to satisfy my own curiosity.

: First, I am fortunate (I think?) to have a lumber supplier that deals only
: with West. Red Cedar located about 4 miles from where I live. Not a big
: deal in some parts of the country, but not so common here in Alabama.
: Anyway, his price for W.R.C. is about $1.90 per linear foot for
: 1"x6" and $2.something? for 1x8" clear/no nots. (16' to 18'
: lengths were not a problem and I wouldn't have to worry with shipping etc.
: I have the equipment to rip and mill the stock.) Thats still right at $4 +
: per board foot which is close to Mahogany :^) Is this price
: good/reasonable/ridiculous for WRC? I have no idea because I don't know
: how much wood goes into the average Guillemot Kayak (17'). What are some
: REAL figures for the cloth and Epoxy needed and who are some of the most
: reasonable suppliers.

: My next issue is: Has anyone used cypress with good results? or is it too
: heavy? I may be able to get this for very reasonable. Can it be milled
: thinner than 1/4" to lighten the boat? I know it shares similar
: properties with spruces/cedars but don't know how it would work.

: Last: As I said, I was considering the Guillemot. Can it be built from the
: plans included in Nick's "Strip-Building Kayaks" book or should
: I purchase the full size plans. I know for sure that I'll be getting the
: book, just didn't want to purchase more than I needed. Will they just need
: to be lofted?

: Obviously, any advice is much-needed. And thanks for the great Forum and for
: letting me ramble on with novice questions.