Poplar for spindrift ?

[Gary Vecere]

I noticed okume is considered a non durable wood but is the recomended wood for building a spindrift. I am a bit confused as I have always used durable wood ie White Oak, teak, mahogony. Is this based on weight first and rot resistance second. also then can I use poplar (another non durable wood) as I have 4/4 stock of this wood and I will not be finishing bright.

[John Burritt]

Spindrifts are built w/ 6mm okoume plywood. Well coated w/ epoxy it becomes very durable. If you haven't, contact Designer re: plans. etc. Everything available from plans to CNC cut kits.

[Gary Vecere]

I have the plans for a 11N, just getting materals. I was not aware that the boat got full epoxy encapsulation. Any thoughts on Poplar for the solid stock.

[Ray Frechette Jr]

It sure wouldn't be my first choice.

[hokeyhydro]

Poplar is usually available clear and is easy to machine. I have used poplar with no problems but it was well coated with epoxy and varnish and damaged areas recoated promptly because it does go south rather fast if allowed to be exposed to the marine elements. Might want to select another specie if the boat is going to get serious use.

[Ray Frechette Jr]

I would prefere a nice resinous softwood like Fir or southern yellow pine myself. Dfir heartwood would be nice... Mahogany would be nice too but too rich for my blood.

[PAR]

Poplar used to be a fine wood, but the stuff that's available now isn't especially notable. This said, sealed and fully encapsulated, it'll serve well, though isn't as strong as similarly priced alternatives. I'm not sure where you are, but in the Midwest there are thousands of barns and building with nice yellow poplar siding, framing and even beams. If you can source some of this "reclaimed" stock, re-mill it to the dimensions you need, you'd have a very nice, fairly light stock to work with, that's also rot resistant, unlike the stuff for sale today (which is usually white poplar).

[Charlie Jones]

Not particularly fond of poplar myself, even in my furniture work, but since he already has some 4/4 stuff, and isn't gonna go bright, I'd say use it.

[Jim Stumpf]

The catspaw dinghy below was built by a friend over 10 years ago from poplar milled from his own yard. He uses it hard every summer. It is traditionally planked and varnished. Keep the wood sealed and you will be fine. If you were building a more substantial boat I might be concerned.