Opinions - Wood for Frames

[galamb]

First post to the forum. Great site.

Building a Glen-L Plywood over frames Sport Cuddy walk-around. Overall length will be just shy of 26 feet. Plans suggest either White Oak or Red Meranti for the frames. I am fortunate enough to have a few sources for good quality boatbuilding lumber within an easy commute (including Noah's and A&M) offering a variety beyond what is suggested.

From reading through over 70 pages here in the building/repair section, there is many differing view and opinions.

I have decided not to use White Oak for sure, simply because of possible glue issues (no other reason).

I have narrowed my choices to Red Meranti, Spanish Cedar (both a $6/BF) or Black Locust ($5/BF).

Would like opinions on those options - good/bad/ugly...

[Mrleft8]

If you're afraid of White Oak (I wouldn't be. I've been using it for 30 years, and never had a glue failure with it.), then go with the Black Locust. You don't really want cabinet quality wood though, so A&M might not be the best place to look. (Unless Andy has an air dried boat lumber section that I'm not aware of.)

[davidagage]

Down here (where it's a balmy 70deg Lefty) I have trouble finding anything but kd white oak but have found a place with air dried spanish cedar and spanish oak so this subject kinda piques my interest as well...

DG

[JimD]

No, not again...(welcome to the forum, by the way) for every testamonial in favour of epoxy gluing white oak there is another against. Is there a reason douglas fir is not on the list?

[galamb]

Jim, currently there has been some difficulty getting decent enough DF so the price has gone up. Not that, that is a huge issue since I am looking at somewhat less than 100 BF for the frames - but all else being mostly equal, considering the options.

A&M does have a nice stack of air dried Black Locust. Short pieces (all approx 4 1/2 - 5 feet by about 8 or 9 wide) 6/4 rough. This is my leading contender at the moment. The frames will be lapped with no individual section longer than 4'2". The plans suggest 1" or 1 1/4" for frame widths and I have a planer to at least clean up the boards - the widths are good and I can handle the little extra weight of the frames without issue. The bottom will be two layers of 1/4" Meranti, so definately heavier than my topside plan.

I plan on clear finishing all of the wood above the chine and so at least two of the upper frames will be visable and want something that at the very least won't clash too bad with my other wood choices.

The sides (including cabin sides) will be Okoume and fairly certain all the decking, cabinet work/console/windshield frame etc will be Brazilian Cherry with Okoume panels where applicable (again the leading contender).

I have used white oak on a 14' plywood runabout (Peterborough style from the early 60's) without issue, but given that's currently going for $8/BF, I don't need to do any bending, the glue recommended for oak/teak is somewhat more expensive than the other's and the Locust appears in most respects to be a very close equivalent to WO, I was leaning that way.

[Deadwood]

There is an ad on Canadianwoodworking for air dried lumber including white oak for a great price.

http://www.canadianwoodworking.com/classifieds/detail.php?id=2397

[Deadwood]

I have used white oak on a 14' plywood runabout (Peterborough style from the early 60's) without issue, but given that's currently going for $8/BF, I don't need to do any bending, the glue recommended for oak/teak is somewhat more expensive than the other's and the Locust appears in most respects to be a very close equivalent to WO, I was leaning that way.

Yowza! Have you checked anywhere else other than A&M or Noah's? Those places are probably the most expensive around.

[galamb]

Appreciate the tip. I'm not totally dead set against WO was really just looking for options since some are available. That combined with the fact that it was selling at a premium compared to the others I was looking at, didn't leave it high on the list at all.

I will check this out though (thanks again)...

[StevenBauer]

I'd choose the Black Locust over the W.Oak even if the prices were the same. I love that stuff. :)


Steven

[Mrleft8]

$8bf for White Oak? That must be FAS true quartered stock.... Around here White Oak goes for around $2bf from the mill.....

[galamb]

Here's how it's listed - OAK, White Qtrd A/D (Cut Jan 07) - 1 1/2" $7.75/bf

[ahp]

Question, what about cypress? I know it gets heavy when wet, but dry is it that much heavier than DF? There is a sawmill not far away that has it. Of course you all don't live down in my corner of the USA.

[galamb]

That's why I'm asking for opinions - I can get Cypress and it's cheap compared the others I've listed. Can also get Eastern White Cedar at under 2 bucks a board foot (lots of that around here)...

[Deadwood]

Appreciate the tip. I'm not totally dead set against WO was really just looking for options since some are available. That combined with the fact that it was selling at a premium compared to the others I was looking at, didn't leave it high on the list at all.

I will check this out though (thanks again)...

Let us know if it's as good a deal as it sounds. I was thinking of buying some for the boat I am planning, but it's a bit early for that.

[galamb]

Yes, I will definately give him a call early next week after the holidays. He literally lives down the street from me (less the 2kms away). And yes, if he is looking for less than a buck a bf for white oak, I'll take 200 bf off his hands...