...I think you said a lot in just a few words. Pecan is a hard and pretty wood. It is something like hickory, but tends to be a little brittle and splits easily. Still it might be a good material. Only way to find out is try it. There was a post about someone using 3/32 thick black locust and I think other materials (My memory is not perfect) on a very interesting boat. Hopefully we will hear more about it later. Mesquite is one of my absolute favorite woods, but I'm not sure it will be good for anything but accents on a boat. It's a great wood, though. I've never built a great auk, but it certainly looks like a great boat...one I wouldn't hesitate to build for myself, or anyone else. Your fishing line idea is very interesting and I'll watch to see how you do. Don't forget to keep us posted I built my first kayak when I was 13...must have been 1960. Back in those days all I used for later boats was polyester. I hated the stuff. The epoxy and fiberglass of today is great. Have fun...can't wait to see your new project come to life.