I want to thank everyone for their input. I checked some local yards and found some great almost clear pine 1x10s in sixteen foot lengths. I also conned a freind out of some great ash that she was going to use for canoe seats. I will use the ash for the ribs.
I havn't started putting everything together, because I havn't found the lashing material. I looked for fake sinew, but at $10 for 100 feet, I passed. Any ideas on what lashing I could use would be helpful, otherwise I think I'll just use some nylon line.
I still need to order my fabric and find varnish or what ever you use to seal the fabric.
My boats measurement will be 16' gunwales, 21" wide, 7 inches deep (maybe less.) So far this is looking like a fun project.