: I was thinking about Basswood for the frame. The one local real
: lumberyard has long, very clear lengths of wood, close to the
: same density of WRC. It is a plain wood, but you can't see the
: wood in general. I have never seen anyone discuss using it. It
: also was the cheapest wood I could buy. It is mostly cut into
: short fat lengths for wood carvers.

Marc:
I've used basswood in the past, when I was building strip canoes, for gunwales and also for 'contrast strips'.

I like basswood a lot - it's reasonably 'tough' (for its density) and doesn't tend to splinter or split the way most WRC does. When abused it tends to just 'fuzz up' rather than splinter.

In any wood species I've found a fair bit of variation from 'tree to tree' , but you should certainly give your local basswood a try, IMO. You need to check the boards carefully, as you will probably find some hidden knots and grain twists which are not easily visible by colour.

I'm surprised at the use of WRC for stringers in SOF boats- it would certainly be one of my last choices. Ash (at reduced scantlings), spruce, yellow cedar aka Alaska cypress, and even basswood would rank higher on my list of 'impact resistant' woods. Make some sample thin strips and abuse them!

I guess you have to use what's locally available, though if there are a bunch of boatbuilders in one area, it would make sense IMO to freight in some good lumber. Truck freight for raw lumber is surprisingly cheap.
I do have the luxury (living in the PNW) of having good lumber easily available (at a price, and for the time being- till we ship it all away or turn it into paper....)

Cheers
John