Blackbutt for planking

[DaveWhitla]

One for the Aussies.

I am currently sourcing timber for a 30' carvel plank medium displacement cruiser.
In my many hours of travels in search of said timber I have come across a stand of Blackbutt over 100 years old, pencil straight, which the land-owner has permission and the desire to remove.
These trees are much bigger than plantation timber, first branch is about 5 metres off the ground and the sawyer reckons he can get 30' quarter sawn boards about 12" wide out of them. He actually asked if I would prefer only quarter-sawn.

I have read what there is to find in Bootle's book regarding the species but I have no experience with it at all. Bootle says its very prone to seasoning checking but the sawyer suggests otherwise.
Its also rated M3 (more borer resistant than Huon, King Billy or Hoop Pine - about the same as Tallowwood). It seems (from reading) to be extremely strong and impact resistant - and pretty hard to work.
I had been thinking of teak for planking but we all know how unlikely that is. I'm thinking that this might be one of those rare finds.

Can anyone offer some advice on using Blackbutt for planking above and below the waterline? I'd particularly like to know how it stands up to tropical conditions, and how difficult it is to work.

Thanks,

Dave

[Larks]

Dave,
I don't know how it might stack up as planking on boats but I've seen a beautiful owner built 46' yacht in Darwin that used it for some framing and furniture to very good effect.
Other than that I've been on the lookout for a good supply of blackbutt or tallowood for my flooring (for my house rather than my yacht), but only if you're supplier has enough for your needs and to spare, I wouldn't cut your lunch mate. I'm down the road from you in Wongawallan (Oxenford/Tamborine).
cheers
Larks

[PeterSibley]

Hello Dave .I've used a fair bit of blackbutt as house framing but it was plantation timber ,therefore not really a fair comparison .That said it was good material .

There is a chap in Sydney (whose name escapes me ) who has built a large schooner .He has a couple of article in WB ,one on building a hull the Australian way and another on building a curved transom .Perhaps you can find his articles?

The reason for the digression is that he planked his boat with blackbutt and he recommended it to me .It might be worth your while to find his name and ring him yourself .The boat is a beautiful job ...he knows his stuff .

Did you hear from David Douglas regarding the bandsaw mill ?

Peter

[PeterSibley]

Here you are Dave ,

Frames, steam-bent: technique of Peter Gossell/schooner WANDEEN, 158:42

Gossell, Peter, author and photographer: "Building WANDEEN's Hull," 158:42

Gossell, Peter, author and photographer: "The Curved, Raked Transom," 186:88

Planking, carvel: schooner WANDEEN/Peter Gossell, 158:42

Transom construction: technique (curved, raked)/Peter Gossell, 186:88

I suspect the phone book would find him ,
Peter

[tattooed john]

You could try-

The Marine Exchange

55 Princes Hwy Sylvania 2224
phone Number (02) 9522 4471

I think Peter Gossell is associated with this business. The owner IIRC.

[The Bigfella]

He is indeed. I'll PM you his phone number

[DaveWhitla]

Thanks very much for the helpful comments.

I've had no luck contacting Mr Gossell yet as he is a very busy man. I did post roughly the same question in the Woodworking Australia boat forum which drew diametrically opposed views though which has had me engaged furiously offline in tracking down the good oil.

Sorry for the rather late acknowledgement here for your efforts in reply.
Your advice is appreciated.

Dave

[The Bigfella]

I went to the Wooden Boat Association meeting tonight and Peter G gave a slide presentation and talk about his building of Wandeen. It was fantastic. I believe he will be doing the same presentation at the Working with Wood show in Sydney in 10 days time

[Stiletto]

I've used some locally grown blackbutt here, it is very durable but pretty heavy. It may be prudent to do a weight comparison with the original timber specified on the plans and see whether the difference will affect how she will sit to her designed waterlines.

[The Bigfella]

I've used some locally grown blackbutt here, it is very durable but pretty heavy. It may be prudent to do a weight comparison with the original timber specified on the plans and see whether the difference will affect how she will sit to her designed waterlines.

Wandeen was designed by the builder, Peter Gossell. She's built using the techniques for Aussie hardwood fishing boats. Peter pointed out that he'd been looking for Flooded Gum planking but couldn't source any at the time. His concer with Blackbutt was that it is often folund with borer holes in it. His came from northern NSW and was borer free.

[Stiletto]

Good, no worries then.

[WX]

A very good alternative would Spotted Gum (Eucalyptus maculata, I think). Kyogle Casino area for northern NSW. That would been my 1st choice.