I am about ready to start building an OI (my first boat)....will be ripping strips soon(Northern White & Western Red Cedar). After reading many posts and books it seems that it might be an advantage to use a hard wood for the sheer strip. I really don't know for sure.

I plan to try a stapleless approach, and figure that a hardwood strip might hold up better with the extensive use of tape/clamps. Before starting to rip, I would want to buy a hardwood plank if needed.

As I nearly finish building my workshop and sawhorses, the apprehension about the importance of the form setup has grown. However, I keep learning more and getting more encouraged each day as I read the posts...thanks to all.

I would really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions about the choice of a hard or softwood sheer strip.
Bob