: what do people think is the ideal moisture content for white oak used in
: steam bending (will be for ribs; probably around 3/8 thick by 1-1/4 wide)?
: is 10-15% too low?

Ok, I'm thinking of building a "traditional" (in the modern sense) greenland kayak so I too have been thinking steam bent ribs. But should point out that the ribs don't necessarily have to be steam bent. The could also be laminated and with really thin strips you wouldn't have to worry so much about the grain run out nor the moisture content. For the stated 3/8" thick ribs, 3 - 1/8" strips laminated together could be pretty easily bent to a very tight radius without steam and once glued up would be likely stronger than the steam bent version.

Bill H.