: Red oak is beautiful wood, but it needs to be protected from rot.

Only if it is constantly wet or if it is only used in fresh water. If the boat is allowed to dry between uses, rot simply is not an issue. Salt water is a good wood preservative. Fresh water causes rot.

: So, I offer this advice: Do the untraditional thing and coat all your red oak
: pieces amd parts with two coats of epoxy resin.

I would suggest that this is likely the worst thing you can do, especially with a kayak frame. Hard finishes like epoxy and varnish WILL crack with use, allowing water in. Unfortunately, once the water is absorbed into the wood, it can't get back out and the next thing you know, you've got a rot problem. Hard finishes are fine IF you maintain the the integrity of the finish by re-coating any areas that crack. This can be done with canoe gunwales if you're diligent, but not with kayak frames, since you can neither see nor reach areas where the finish is damaged.

Leaving the frame unfinished is one option and there are plenty of ancient Greenland boat around that attest that it works. A "breathable" finish like linseed oil allows some moisture in, but it also allows it to get out just as easily. I've used it on two kayaks and will be using it on my third. None of the wood shows any signs of rot.