: I'll be building two skin on frame kayaks and need some clear cedar
: for gunwales. No where in Manitoba have I been able to find a
: piece of clear cedar suitable for gunwales.

What other woods are available by you. Cedar may be the traditional favorite only because it grew near the site of the traditional builders. With modern lumber merchandising you can find lots of cheap construction materials in areas where they do not grow. And expensive species are found anywhere someone wants to spend money for them.

Do you have a source for redwood, spruce, fir or clear pine? How about ash, poplar, oak or maple? You can make your gunwales from any of these. With harder and stronger woods you can reduce the size a little and still have the required strength. The smaller piece will be a bit lighter in weight, which can help make up for the difference in weight between a piece of cedar and a similarly sized piece of hardwood. Overall, the difference in weight of the entire boat will not be onerous. Maybe a pound or two.

PGJ