: I bought the wood for my planned winter project, and after getting home with
: it I more carefully read Cunningham's and Morris' recommendations about
: what to use. Unfortunately I got Douglas Fir (for everything except the
: masik & coaming) - it's beautiful wood - nearly vertical grain, and no
: knots. Does anyone have an idea of how much heavier the boat is likely to
: be compared to one made with pine or white cedar? I'm trying to decide if
: I should try to return it.

: Thanks.
: Wes

The frame will weigh several pounds heavier than a lighter wood. You can make the gunnels 5/8" thick which is plenty for doug fir. Chines need to be a certain dimension for a Greenland kayak so you really can't make them smaller. As has been mentioned previously Doug fir has quite a pronounced grain which can lead to splitting if you aren't paying attention.

Coastal doug fir is quite heavy , Doug fir from east of the coastal mountains can be quite light especially if it is sapwood. Probably spruce or a lighter pine is the easiest wood to get which is fine for kayak frame except the ribs and hoop.... it has been used for ribs and hoops but there are better woods for steam bending - white oak is hard to beat