: You can also go to a smaller section with fir. Bob Kelim is using 2 1/2"
: tall gunwales out of fir to get low 30#s boats.

weight is not a real concern of mine, If it were, I'd workout more.

: Walnut is another potential rib bending stock--especially if you can find it
: locally and cheaply.

: Shawn

I live in the Pacific NorthWet, Cedar and fir I got growing out of my ears (actually that is just moss). Walnut and Oak are a bit harder to get. KD Oak i can get at the local Home Despot.