Is Cypress OK for the Firefly?

[mdavis121212]

I live in Upstate NY and I'm having a tough time finding the right wood.

I do have a source for cypress (don't know why we have that and not cedar)? Would that work?

Thanks

Mike

[P Doug (WA)]

Mike I probably shouldn't answer, I'm no expert. I'm sure the real builders will respond soon. If I were to answer I say yes Cypress would work. I thinks most any wood will work (we are talking stringers, right?). The important things I wild look for are : as straight grained as available; as knot free as possible. These boats are not stored in water and the stringers are oiled, so I would think you would be fine. I used pine salvaged from some quilting racks.

[mdavis121212]

Thanks P..... I think Im probably overthinking this. I should not have read the Greenland books.

Also I'm not really that proeffecient at wood. All I know is I made my greenland paddle with the wrong grained wood and snapped it in half.

So is Straight grained wood the same as Flat Sawn? Does Quarter Sawn, flat Sawn etc. even matter?

[P Doug (WA)]

Out of fear of probably not knowing what the heck I'm talking about and causing you great headaches, I'll wait for the more experienced to respond. Looking at your avatar, you probably have more experience than me. It's been real quiet on this form lately but I'm sure Jeff will check in soon.

[Kudzu]

Cypress should work just fine, I even mention it as an optional wood in the manual. You probably have other woods available in NY that I can't find that would work. If you are looking at the Borg's (lowes, home depot, etc.) you are probably not going to find anything worth using.

Straight grained is better the bends are not great and some runout in the grain shouldn't be a problem. But just Google the terms and you will find some good example of the differences.

[FloatingBear]

The Cajun's love the cyprus for their Pirogues because it has great rot resistance.

[yggmeanhorse]

Hi,

I used Cypress on my Firefly and my son's. It worked just fine. I put my boat through its paces too.

*Jay*

[Kudzu]

Jay, did you son race he 340 in his? I have been wondering.

[yggmeanhorse]

Hi,

     Yes, my son did the 340 race. The heat did him in though. I am not sure if he will try it again next year. I also raced in my Firefly. I love the Firefly. It has proven its self for two trips down the Missouri. The first year 2011 the river was very high and fast. I really wished I had a rudder that year. 2012 the river was very low. The Firefly handled a lot better with the lower, slower water and it was a lot easier to handle with out a rudder. Also maybe I had gained some experiance.

 

*Jay*

[woodman]

Hi,

     Yes, my son did the 340 race. The heat did him in though. I am not sure if he will try it again next year. I also raced in my Firefly. I love the Firefly. It has proven its self for two trips down the Missouri. The first year 2011 the river was very high and fast. I really wished I had a rudder that year. 2012 the river was very low. The Firefly handled a lot better with the lower, slower water and it was a lot easier to handle with out a rudder. Also maybe I had gained some experiance.

 

*Jay*

I didn't make it to see the start this year Jay ...maby next yr.....Good to see skin boats doing it...or any kind of homemade boat for that mater..

[Kudzu]

Hi,

     Yes, my son did the 340 race. The heat did him in though.

 

Good to know. I rarely ever hear back from people and I knew he was rushing to get it built in time. I had wondered if he had finished it.

 

The first year 2011 the river was very high and fast. I really wished I had a rudder that year. 2012 the river was very low. The Firefly handled a lot better with the lower, slower water and it was a lot easier to handle with out a rudder. Also maybe I had gained some experiance.

 

Experience is a good teacher.     

 

I got a chance to paddle a Firefly again a couple of months ago and I realized it is harder tracking boat than I remembered. I have been thinking about altering the design and adding a little more rocker in the bow. That should make it turn easier but as long as the boat is it will never turn really quick.

[yggmeanhorse]

My son waited till the last minute to get some of the things he needed to finish the boat. It was done the weekend before the race. Lets see if he is up to trying the race again next year.

Jay