: Hello all,

: Here is an update on the wood search. I finally decided on the mahogany, so I
: went to the local lumberyard to check out some new stuff they just got in.
: It was 17 feet long and in boards up to 12" x 2.5" rough cut.
: The problem was it was horribly sawn, and poorly dried. It had checking
: and run-out all over. Every board was crooked. I would have to buy the
: largest board and cut it down to size. I was just about to say "how
: much" when I looked over my shoulder, and what to my wondering eyes
: did appear, but a stack of cypress all knot-free and clear. (pardon the
: rhyme)

: The cypress was 1x6 tongue and groove, 16 feet long. I would prefer ripping
: the gunwales from one board, but I figured I could find two similar ones.
: BINGO! I found two that were sawn from the same stick- matched grain and
: nearly quarter-sawn. Very tight grain with almost no knots. Jackpot!!!

: Cypress is a bit splintery and I am going to have to be real careful with
: this stuff but I think it's going to do. It's very light stuff. Now I just
: need to find something for ribs. I don't think cypress is going to do the
: trick for those. I may end up using the mahogany for ribs if I can get it
: to bend enough. Below is a close-up of the grain.

: I will keep you posted on progress.

You'll be very happy with the cypress, nice light and very durable wood. Use some care in fastening, if you're not lashing as it's a naturally oily wood that resists most glues. A scrub with a scotch brite pad and acetone just prior to gluing will normally cure that.

Bill H.