2 replies to this topic

[timgoz]

Hello,

I am in the planning stage (& material aquisition) of construction for a lapstrake plywood 21 foot sailboat, (Dix's Cape Henry 21).

Where I work I can obtain grade 2 Douglas Fir at a good cost. This would be a suitable wood for the stringers & deck beams. But, with the abundance of not I would have much wastage and/or scarf joints. The plans call for "clear" Douglas Fir, which obviously is much more costly. Other siutable woods are Meranti, Mahoghany, or "simualar woods".

The boat will be epoxy coated and filletted. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Tim G.

[PAR]

Lowe's/Depot sell clear, straight grain "siding" material, most commonly tongue and groove Douglas fir. It's usually 1x6.

Most lumber yards (including above) carry clear SPF in 2x10 or 2x12 by 16'. This framing stock is usually as dense, if not slightly more so the Douglas fir and because it's cut as 2x10's or 12's in long lengths, it has to come from older trees, which are thicker and very commonly clear. Sort through a stack of 2x12"x16' pieces and you'll quickly find several that haven't a knot to be seen and are straight grained.

Of course these will be flat sawn and many will have pith and heart wood, but you can rip them down the middle and eliminate much of this as well as rip the edge for 1x2's (or bigger) that will be quarter sawn.

[markfitz]

We found around here (upstate NY) the cheapest, straightest grained semi-soft wood was tulip poplar.  No knots whatsoever.  A little harder to work with than pine, and we twisted the heads off our fair share of brass screws, but it seemed to work well and was available in long, clear lengths.