: Anyone have any thoughts or experience using either of these woods
: for kayak building. Brought home a couple logs of both. Heard
: that Yew is excellent for bending (used for long bows). How
: would it hold up in a kayak? Or perhaps it is too good or rare
: and better suited for another project??

How are you going to mill your logs? Starting with logs is for patient woodworkers!

Most arbutus is very difficult to dry without a lot of warping and checking. This is partly because the the growth habit of arbutus seems to be often 'leaning' - with lots of compression/tension wood in the log. Once dry, it is fairly stable and can be attractive. It is fairly heavy, though - in the black cherry range. I've used it a bit, and built an acoustic guitar with flamed arbutus back and sides. That was from an exceptional log/board, though.

Since you are in BC, get your hands on some 'yellow cedar' aka 'Alaska cypress'. It is a fantastic wood- fairly cheap, reasonably light, available clear in lengths, tough and easy to bend. You could buy enough for a SOF kayak for not too much money (compared to the cost of covering, paint, etc). I'm not a SOF builder, but I would definitely not put WesternRedCedar in a SOF boat when yellow cedar is available for less money and a bit more weight.

Cheers
John