Wooden Gunnels

[KurtCT]

I want to add wooden gunnels to a 16' Brockway plywood skiff. It will be used as a workboat and for recreational lobstering and was wondering what type of material to use. I'm thinking of 5/4" x 8" doug fir if I can find it somewhere. I'd like something durable, low cost and something that will take paint.

Thanks

[Bob Smalser]

5/4 clear Doug Fir or Southern Yellow Pine heartwood (no white sapwood) will be fine. Whichever is available at the best price. Eastern White Pine heartwood will also work but is a bit softer, and so will spruce but it is prone to rot if not well cared for.

Unfamiliar with your skiff. Usually inwales and guards bend in or around without problems, but if the bend is too tight, resaw the stock in half and do the job in two increments, epoxying the second piece to the first after the first is bent in and clamped. With vinegar-dampened rags handy for cleanup, and it's not hard to do a neat job.

[ 09-20-2005, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Bob Smalser ]