matt_betzina
2011-11-17 21:21:33
I'm looking into buying a troller built in the mid 1960s from Yellow Cedar. I'm pretty sure yellow cedar is a common boat building material for the west coast, but how does it stack up against other woods in the region? What are the pros and cons of the various woods?
Thanks, I really appreciate the input.
Not an expert here,but I suspect that since yellow cedar is a soft wood, the fasteners can be a source of weakness.
John Murray
2012-01-14 19:44:13
I've had Douglas fir and Yellow cedar material in my boats.The problem I found with cedar is it takes on water and in the cold and clear weather it checks badly,which leads to problems down the road.If you keep your boat down below,covered in winter or figured a way to keep H2O out you might stand a chance.I always used fir or some of that tropical wood for replacment.
salmon4u
2012-01-15 03:23:01
I've had both douglas fir and yellow cedar boats. The yellow cedar was great except sometimes it's difficult for the paint to stick on it. Also I think there's a difference between some yellow cedars, Port Orford cedar is like old growth I think and is pretty legendary. As with all wood boats check carefully for rot when hauled out. You can use the plastic handle of a large screwdriver, tap on the wood listening for a good hard rap, if you have a dull thud, there's a problem.. good luck.. you know if god would have wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have made fiberglass trees.. ha.. joking
Salty
2012-01-15 04:46:48
My father's boat, Nohusit, was yellow cedar planked. It was a constant headache dealing with the rot.