: I'm going to proceed at this point but I am concerned about the location of
: the build. This will take place in a corner of a warehouse and that
: location could be subject to close depending on the economy. You folks
: with a garage have it going on.

: As far as time goes the Petrel and Cirrus LT are looking like better options
: but I still want her to have a stripper. Then again, if I spend too much
: time building the boat and she doesn't get enough attention, I may be in
: need of a stripper.

: Side note - A friend is planning to build a SOF and wants Clear SYP
: Gunnels/gunwales. SYP is not available in the lengths he wants and he
: doesn't want to scarf. Will clear Fir be just as or almost as good?

Douglas Fir is ok, it tends to split fairly easily though. Southern Yellow Pine would be awfully heavy for that use. The best wood is still white pine and it should be relatively easy to find in the lengths required. Remember for a traditional SOF the gunwales are significantly shorter than the boats overall length. One of the cedars would be my second choice for a SOF, depends on where you live as to what you can easily find. Red cedar works well and is available in long lengths in clear stock most eveywhere.

Bill H.