Really, pretty much any softwood will work. Key thing is, whats the cheapest and most common locally available wood, and can you get it clear and straight.

I built my Aleut kayaks out of mostly spruce, but there is also some pine, some fir and some western red cedar in there too. I use mostly spruce because its what all the framing is made of out here in Alberta, so I can go down to the local building centre and flip stud grade boards for an hour or so. It ends up being pretty darn cheap, and is more than strong enough for my needs.

Enjoy building the boat!

: I am contemplating building a Sea Tour 17 and would appreciate advice as to
: alternatives, if any, to building the frame from aluinium or western red
: cedar.