Pete,
We have used basswood extensively on two boats in our shop. We don't just use basswood. We love basswood! We often refer to it as the "right wood" Just as
whalers refer to the "Right" Whale. Its characteristics make it the "right" wood for many projects

Cost: Basswood is really cheap usually in the 2 dollars a board food range. So even when you get a really premo piece of wood its not costly. WE build a whole
boat out of about 60 dollars of basswood.

Building characteristics: Basswood is the choice of many sculptors because of its carving properties and its bleached white color. It tends to be clear no knots. It doesn't yellow staying absolutely white. But the way it takes an edge is amazing. Its doesn't get wild grain. It soft but not real soft, but not brittle. When carving, it has a soft plastic feel too it. Its a funny combination of strong, but pliable. I can't find the words for it exactly, I'd just say grab small a piece and try different tools out on it, and you will know what I mean. It also smells nice. It is a tree that stores a sugar and so it caramels a bit when being worked. If you sand it to hard or grind it to fast it will get hot and that caramel will show on the edges. Very avoidable situation. It soaks in glue It takes a router bit with out burring. It is also very light weight. It also is extremely flexible. It won't shatter it just bends. But will take a hit and not dent easily. ITs a great wood for bending. You can tie it in knots in it and not break it. Steams well too.

Looks: What I like about basswood is that when it is epoxied it takes the light and does the same thing mahogany does with it. It reflects it at several layers giving it a depth just as the semi precious gem like tigers eye. does when polished. Mahogany does the same thing. In combination Mahogany and basswood gives that effect across the whole of the boat in a contrast of light and dark. In the sunshine it sparkles. A very cool effect. Its look is singular. Sculptures us it becuase of its carveability and its even white color.

Every species has a trade off. The trade off is that Basswood has no rot resistance to it. Unlike cedars and spuces, pines fires etc. This is reason that despite all its characteristics its not often used in boat building. If you use it, its wise to put an extra layer where its going to take a bang or a slice. Its not so fragile that drying it out and re coating it won't be the fix. But you don't want her soaking for a while. We have found it can be used. Its just wise to give basswood a little extra glass protection.

We find that Its great for putting absolutely white accents on a boat.

If you really want to know more about basswood. They guy to talk to is Hey Rick "I love basswood" Morgan if your lurking. Do you want to take a swing at this
one. Rick built an entire boat out of Basswood and Mahogany. The contrast was fantastic.

Here is a picure of Rick's basswood boat. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1428795&a=10708251&p=36769182&Sequence=0&res=high

Play with this species a while and I think you'll find that for the right application. Basswood is indead the Right Wood.
!RUSS