Laminating frames for small boat...What wood?

[rwatson]

I am just doing ribs for a 16ft canoe - and dont want to pay $1400 per m2 for the worlds best wood for curving and longevity (Celery top pine) , and steaming stuff seems like a lot of work.

If you try to do tight curves in western red cedar, as you noted, snap!!

Buuuut - if you apply a layer of 6 oz cloth and epoxy to the 'underside' ( outer curve) of say 3-4 mm red cedar, let it set, then the 'stick' will take a great curve without snapping, like a fishing rod. Works like a charm.