: hi all.
: I'm planning to make a Skin On Frame Kayak for recreational use.
: I live in South India, and want to know what kind of wood would be right
: choice?
: Please tell in what terms you people decide on the wood? Like - should it be
: heavy or light weight? grains? knots? what is the criteria that decides
: the choice?

: Why I ask this is because, here I may not get red wood or cedar that you guys
: get out there, or imported wood does not come in full length while I
: prefer full length over scarfing or butt join.

: And the name varies a lot in local languages, so it is best to tell what
: specification I like to get the right type of wood.

: How about Rubber-tree wood? It is very light, bends well and looks strong. It
: is usually used in packings.

: I plan to make the kayak with Marine ply cross sections and hence wood is
: needed for the gunwales and chine stringers only.

: thanks,
: MS

Here are a few timber I might get around my place and their density.

1. Aini/Aangili 595 Kg/m3
2. Bean Teak - 675
3. Jack 595
4. Saj/Lauraceae - 880
5. Red Cedar - 450 Kg/m3

I presume the wood has to be moderately strong, moderately packed, least knots or no knots, least bend and light weight.

I know you guys are going to pick the Red Cedar which is light weight and close to what you people use [WRC] but it is seldom got in good quantity and is expensive, so I will wait for you people to answer!

bye
MS