: I'm about to start construction of my first stripper next month and I scored
: an incredible deal on some red cedar. I'm assuming its eastern red being
: that I am in west virginia.

: I got over 3000 bd. ft for $400. It's rough, but I just couldn't pass that
: deal up.

: I've just finished Nick's book and he is against eastern red because of grain
: and knots. If I am willing to sort through this pile for good strip
: material will it be OK?

: Thanks,

: Joe

Should be able to tell by weight, eastern is considerably heavier than western. Also just because you're on the east coast really doesn't mean anything, western red cedar is shipped all over the country. Unless you got it cut from a local sawmill.

Also, just because western red is the most common wood for kayaks doesn't mean it's the only wood you can use. Most others, other than northern white cedar will result in a somewhat heavier boat. Should still weigh less than most production fiberglass boats.

Bill H.