Choice of wood species

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hags
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Location: Harvard, IL
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Choice of wood species

Post by hags »

I have never built a strip canoe. Have not decided on a design. But as I continue to research this I am able to get enough redwood to get the job done. Has anyone ever used redwood for a strip canoe ? I'm not sure of it's specific weight. What advantages or disadvantages might there be in using redwood for a canoe ?
Thanks for any help on this.

Hags
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Patricks Dad
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Location: Warrenville, Illinois

Re: Choice of wood species

Post by Patricks Dad »

Welcome to the forum.
There have been a few guys on this forum who have built canoes out of redwood.

It's a bit heavier than Western Red Cedar (the most common wood used) but not a great deal heavier (28 lb/ft^3 vs 23 lb/ft^3 assuming American redwood). It is a bit more brittle but usable nonetheless.
Here's a table to browse:

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/wood- ... -d_40.html

Best of luck on your build.
Randy Pfeifer
(847) 341-0618
Randy.Pfeifer1@gmail.com
hags
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Re: Choice of wood species

Post by hags »

Thanks PD I appreciate it. I spoke briefly with Joan a few days ago regarding a boat design. I am quite smitten with the appearance of the Champlain. She advised me about the tippyness of that design and suggested the ranger. My question is would I be better advised to modify the bow design of the ranger to obtain the appearance I would like or to modify the hull and body of the Champlain to make it more stable in the water ? Thanks
Hags
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Glen Smith
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Re: Choice of wood species

Post by Glen Smith »

If this will be your first build, making modifications may not be the best thing to do. I suggest you choose a design for its comfort, capacity and performance rather than by the looks.
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