: I saw some Pine wood, it is light, least or small knots, white/light pale
: yellow in color. Seems to be very light, widely available, takes varnish.

: Will it be good for my Gunwale and Chine Stringers on my SOF? as compared to
: Jackwood and Red Cedar [Indian, Expensive]??

Yes, pine will work well for the gunwales and stringers. It would be difficult to use for the ribs as it doesn't take tight bends as easily as hardwoods.

Ribs can be wide and fewer, say 30mm X 6mm and 15-20cm apart, and these are easiest done with a hardwood that bends with steaming. You can go for smaller and closer ribs using round sticks, say 8mm round and 10cm apart. This can be willow (salix) if it is locally available. It usually grows along watercourses.

Hope this helps,
Mike Savage
South West Cork