: Mike - my 2 cents...

: 1) Unless you intend to use a two-part linear polyurethane, the varnish is
: going to impart an amber color, and the wood darkens somewhat from
: sunlight, even with the UV inhibitors in the varnish. Spruce and pine are
: both light, but my experience with spruce is that the growth rings are
: often a different color...not sure about pine. I like Alaskan yellow cedar
: (same as pacific cypress) for a nice, consistent yellow color, and it is a
: good boat-building wood. I, too, would like to find something that is
: white, and stays white.

: 2) Are those my only choices? I, and a lot of people here like RAKA, with the
: 350 hardner. Less expensive, good wet out, no blush. Check the archives
: for RAKA - they also sell supplies and fiberglass at decent prices. And
: Larry is helpful.

: 3) Can't even give an opinion!

: Good luck!

Thanks John:

It ocurred to me to use something like spruce or yellow cedar and use clear coat or something like that. A friend recommends Idaho white pine but I have not explored that. At the Redfish kayaks sight there is a very, very white looking boat that I'm told is pine but it must have some sort of clear epoxy. You should check it out.

RAKA huh?

Thanks

Mike