Species Dillema

[Jack G]

Well, we're coming down the home stretch with our Bobcat, and have another "What wood do I use since I don't live in Boat Country ?" question. Floorboards are supported on the frames which are on two foot centers, and are spec'd at 1/2" thick, 3.5 & 5.5" wide. Species available at reasonable cost here in my corner of Bubbaland are pine, fir, cyprus, and that's about it. I intend to paint them and use the boat in Maine, covered when not in use. Suggestions would be much appreciated.

[ishmael]

"Pine" doesn't tell us much. No price difference? Cypress would be my choice, mostly because I suspect it's better stock than the others, being local. Any would do, depending on the pine.

[Venchka]

Cypress. Deifinitely. Painted as a last resort. I recently put something called CWF-UV from the Flood company (at Lowes) on a picnic table. It's a clear oil based finish and cleans up with water. It goes on easy with a roller, no drips, soaks in and looks nice. Perhaps you coud test a board outdoors this winter before painting the floorboards. Before you commit to 1/2" floorboards, put some 1/2" boards across the frames and check for spring when you walk on them. You might need 3/4" boards. 4/4 rough sawn cypress planed to a fat 3/4" would be very nice.