: Search for Project X in the archives by Bill Price.

: Its a SOF Redfish Return.

: And email bill for further info on all the troiubles/fun he had.

Mostly fun Pete! I'm always open for building e-mails ....

From my experience on my Putz Walrus, Fir is a bear to rip and heavy. That's why I switched to spruce on the Return. Also, as Cotton Joe suggested below, I would laminate the ribs. Things will go much easier. I did glue them together, but you may be able to bind them by lashing. If I were to do things again, I would use lashing for all joints. On the current boat, it is epoxy only. Steam bend any hard turns or twists also. I've found canvas to be quite heavy, especially when sealed and suspect hemp would be similar. A 9 oz or more polyester or nylon may be better. The Baidarka Archives seem to oscillate back and forth between polyester (dacron) and nylon.

Whatever you choose for materials, I highly recommend the project. It has been very rewarding for me so far. Don't forget that this process, in my mind anyway, constitutes a rebuild. You should check with Nick to see if he concures.

Good Luck and let us know what you come up with.

Bill