It seems that finding a source for wood is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for would-be skiff builders. Many people have noted difficulty in finding clear lengths of white pine at the specified length for the sides. You've asked either about substitute woods, or about scarfing the planks from shorter lengths.
The problem in addressing questions about substitute woods is that we don't have experience with all of the regional variations of pine. So, it's be best if we gave you the parameters, and you researched the qualities of wood in your particular location. Here's what you're after in the sides:
1) The ability of the wood to hold fastenings. The bottom planks of the Lumberyard Skiff are fastened directly to the sides. The wood used for the sides must be known to have good ability to hold a wood screw. Cedar would be too soft. (Although cedar is ideal for the bottom. That's because the fastenings for the bottom pass through the cedar, and are held be the white pine sides.)
2) Reasonable weight. Oak would not be appropriate for the sides, for example, because your skiff would be too heavy (though oak would hold screws very well).
3) Durability. Don't use wood that will rot like a pumpkin when it gets wet. How can you tell? Ask around. Talk to builders in your area. Google it. There are plenty of online resources that deal with this sort of thing.
Folks have also asked about scarfing two shorter pieces together to make a longer one. Yes, you can do this. But don't forget that there are two planks that make up each side. If you scarf the side planks, you don't want the scarfs to land next to each other. One should be well forward, and one well aft.
My local lumber yard has 1"x10"x16' SPRUCE in stock at $16.90 each compared to $56.00 each for 1"x10"x16' Select White Pine from a speciality yard nearby.
From what I can find on the web, Spruce appears to have similar physical and working qualities to the White Pine. Does anyone have experience with Spruce as a material for the sides??
Posted by: Larry Weatherall | January 04, 2007 at 07:16 PM
Could I glue a 3-inch plank that will hold screws, long leaf pine or cypress, to the bottom edge of plank #2 which will be glued to plank #3? This would eliminate a chine log and allow me to use some western red cedar planking for the upper two planks. The bottom plank could 2 or 3 inches--just enough to hold the screws of the cross planked bottom. A little more glueup work but avoiding a chine log.
White pine of the kind prescribed is hard to find in Texas, but I have some good cedar and the wood for plank #1, the 'nailer plank.'
and cypress.
Posted by: gordon fowler | July 28, 2007 at 10:08 AM
I am considering cypress for a canoe, due to its natural resistance to water. What is your opinion?
Thanks,
Marv
Posted by: Marvin Meng | August 28, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I am considering cypress for a canoe, due to its natural resistance to water. What is your opinion?
Thanks,
Marv
Posted by: Marvin Meng | August 28, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I am considering cypress for a canoe, due to its natural resistance to water. What is your opinion?
Thanks,
Marv
Posted by: Marvin Meng | August 28, 2008 at 12:18 PM