: Hi,

: I am pondering a couple of future builds, as one does when still building the
: current kayak, and was wondering about peoples' thoughts on the importance
: of 'traditional' woods.

: Whilst I appreciate the strengths, weight and rot-resistance characteristics
: of certain woods - i.e. the cedars, mahogany, etc - how importatn is wood
: type if it's going to be fiberglass and epoxy encapsulated?

: The reason I ask is that one of the next builds will be a flyfishing kayak,
: and I wanted to fit it out 'nicely' with some ameneties, storage, etc to
: make a functional and 'classic' craft for myself. For example, I thought
: of veneer decks and highlighted fittings (say a fly-box holder). These may
: be from non-traditional boat-building woods for contract to the main hull.

: So, if a wood is epoxy-saturated, does it matter what it is? Like a veneer of
: birds-eye maple epoxied to a ply deck. If done properly does it matter if
: it isn't a 'normal' boatbuilding wood?

: Interested in your thoughts.

: Thanks,
: Darren

Hi Darren,
It doesn't really matter which species of wood you use if it's sealed. As long as you can work it consistently and it doesn't make the kayak weigh too much.

Mike Savage
South West Cork