Good evening from Suva.
I have been thinking of building a strip kayak for a while and since I now have a 3 year contract in Fiji, I no longer have any distractions to stop me!
I built my own stitch and glue Canadian style canoe a few years ago, by making a model out of paper and then scaling it up to fit - and it actually worked:)
Before I commit to actually starting I'd like a little advise.
I have no idea about timber in Fiji, though have looked it up and can get the following... (information on timber from an importer in NZ)
Name Density Strength Shrinkage
Kauri 540k/m3 Sd5 Medium Non Durable
Salusalu 449 Sd7 Low Non Durable
Kauvulu 440 Sd6 Low Non Durable
Kaudamu 580 Sd6 High Non Durable
Yaka 620 Sd5/s5 Low Durable

Mahogony 545
Teak 680
Douglas Fir 530
Damanu 45lbs/cuft
Bauvidi (Pencil Cedar)38lbs/cuft

So - any advice on which I should go with?
I'll be using hand tools as I left all my power tools at home, so will get the timber yard to cut strips and the rest will be hand crafted.

Thanks for having a look - and any advice appreciated!
Dave