: I am starting to build an Alaskan Recovery. I plan on using willow ribs
: 3/8"-1/2" in diameter (my gunwales are 3/4" thick). How
: should I space them? Morris recommends 3" spacing for 1/4" thick
: 3/4" wide ribs. I can't imagine I'd need them closer than 3",
: but do I even need them that close? I am only 130 lbs and not planning on
: using the boat in anything too rough. Just seems like at LOT of ribs...
: What would you guys recommend?

Hi Erin,
In my recovery, I spaced the ribs just over 3" spacing (four fingers flat) using a mix of red deal and split hazel. The centres are about 4" apart.
I used the same spacing on my baidarka using willow about 3/8" diameter.
One thing to watch is alternating the willow rib ends every second rib otherwise the hull will turn out a bit lop-sided.
Even with all the ribs in the recovery, it weighs about 25lbs.
Another potential problem is shrinkage if you stop for a few days when using fresh cut willow. Don't worry, just continue with more fresh cut willow, it'll shrink by the same amount. I hit that problem with my baidarka.

The nice thing about fresh willow is there's no need for steam. And the bark peels off easily if you flex the wands just after cutting.

Hope this helps,
Mike Savage
South West Cork