: 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

For a Yost or Yost style SOF the western pine that HD and the other big box stores sell as white pine, works great. Somewhat heavier than WRC but much more impact resistant and very easy to find. If you can find real white pine, it's the ideal, WRC is not the ideal for this, it's light but too flexible.

Bill H.