: Hi there,
: I've been thinking about using bamboo for the gunwales on my first
: skin on frame kayak.
: It should be a bit heavier than pine (gunwales will increase around
: 5lb ) but more flexible and tough.
: The point is I can find only small pieces (floor's bamboo) so I
: should join 4 pieces each gunwale. Is it so bad?

: And what do you all think is better between vertical or horizontal
: laminated bamboo for gunwales?

There's nothing wrong with your idea, but - to me - it sounds like a lot of extra work to achieve an inferior product. Gunwale strength or flexibility has never been any kind of issue in any kayak of mine. I am concerned about weight and ease of construction, though.

Anyway, there are some threads about this on the qajaqusa.org forum that you might want to look at.

Good luck!