Just stumbled onto this forum. I'm planning on building my first strip canoe. Ted Moores Redbird. I'd really like to build it from lumber from my property...no ceder. I'm looking at using Quaking Aspen for the strips and Black Ash for inwals/outwales and the decks. Anyone have any thoughts on that? Will it work? Things to look out for with those wood shoices, or anything else you can share with me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Aspen or poplar is generally not too suitable for boat buildig since all poplar woods rot very quickly if they are in contact with moisture. (and readily turn black) They would also tend to be much more brittle and thus less flexible than cedar, a possible down side for canoe building. Aesthetically they lack much grain or colour and would be less 'decorative' than some other choices.
You indicated that you want to build a stripper canoe and in that case the wood would be coated on both sides with fiberglass. This will help some with the rotting and discolouring problem so long as the fiberglass coating remains intact.(ie doesn't get cracked) Likewise, it will help some with the flexibility and strength problems.
My personal inclination would be to use some poplar strips for decoration or accent, but I would be reluctant to make the whole hull from poplar for the reasons stated. Hope this is of some help to you.
Regards, Dave Alguire, Old Delta Canoeworks
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