Wood Substitution

[Flyfisher]

Hi All,

I am a first time builder and have made a few posts now with questions about the building of Atkins "Willy Winship" (check out our blog - http://woodenlapstrake.blogspot.com/)

In our plans Atkins specifies white cedar for the planking of the sides and bottom, white oak for the stem and knees, and mahogany for the transom and center board case.

Some of these materials are not locally available and so I will have to substitute.

What are your thoughts on this process? For example, the plans call for 3/4" white cedar for the bottom cross planking. We are considering using d-fir, what thickness of material should be used given that we are also weight concious?

And in general, is it good practise to use thinner material than spec'd on plans if the wood you are substituting with has greater strength?

Thanks!

[Mrleft8]

Where are you?

[Flyfisher]

We inhabit the western regions of Canada.

[Bob Smalser]

We inhabit the western regions of Canada.

Use Western Red Cedar. British Columbia is the capital of the WRC universe.

[gibetheridge]

I would use 1/2" BS 1088 plywood for the bottom, glassed on both sides with 6 oz., 3/4 red cedar for the sides and doug fir for everything else. A little yellow cedar looks nice too.