I built my coastal 4 years ago using redwood and pine when clear pine was expensive and redwood was cheap (Cedar was hard to find in So Cal). Now, the redwood is SOOO expensive and I'm not sure what pine is (besides heavy).

In the 4 years of fairly steady use of the boat, I did notice dicoloration due to the salt water penatrating the wood due to microscopic cracks in the epoxy. The salt water turns the redwood almost jet black. You should be aware of this since once it is stained, you WON'T be able to get ride of it.

Now, I look at the boat and the coloration adds character. You can tell that its a boat that is USED and not one that JUST looks great.

take care jim gabriel