I previously posted here about builiding my own canoe. Its going well and I’m to the point of putting together some gunnels. The book I’m using calls for mahogany though I’m considering ash instead. The local hardware store doesn’t carry either, though the guy there suggested maple. I’m looking for wood expertise to help me decide. What are some good woods to use for gunnels? What would be the best (if there is one). I’m looking for strength, light weight and inexpensive cost. Cost is somewhat secondary, though not unimportant. Is mahogany superior to ash? Maple? Many boats are built out of cedar, though I couldn’t find suitable pieces at the hardware store (too many knotholes). What about bamboo? is that even feasible? Any other woods that I’m missing.
I’ll either go with the maple, or go to a wood specialty store to find the less common woods.
I have some experience with both ash and mahogany (though not in boatbuilding). Mahogany is elegant and seems to have reasonable resistance to rot. But I suspect you’ll find it hard to get a board long enough for one-piece gunnels that’s defect-free and has good straight grain. And note that there seem to be many grades of mahogany, of which you probably want the best. This means that mahogany will probably be pricey.
Ash is noted for its strength, ease of bending and impact resistance. I think it’s quite attractive (it has a very light color). It is not very rot-resistant, so it will require a good finish (marine varnish?). It should be available at any serious hardwood dealer, and should not be expensive (as hardwoods go).
If you want to get fancy, you might consider laminated gunnels consisting of a thin strip of mahogany sandwiched between ash (the quality of the mahogany should matter less here).
Don’t skimp on the wood because your local store doesn’t have the ideal one. You’re putting so much work into this, do it right, and it’ll last a lot longer.