Howdy, Josh ... and welcome to the club.

No one was broker than I when I began my first boat project last winter. I had $600 with which to build two boats (CLC Mill Creek 13s). I definitely thought about using cheaper wood, believe me!

But as a cabinetmaker, telescope maker, structural designer by trade, and general hobbyist/tinkerer/gizmologist, I launched a close, albeit unscientific, study upon the subject. The end result is that I bit the bullet and bought gen-yoo-wine okoume for my boats.

It was probably one of the wisest decisions I ever made on anything. It worked easier during construction, and it is really nice to know that there is an unimpeachable substrate in my hull and deck. Finally, the boats are beautiful to look at, and that's mighty important.

I could have used luaun successfully, I have no doubt. But looking back I think it would have been a crappy economy at best. I vote you go with okoume, and have confidence you will not regret it.

Cheers,
Kurt Maurer