Building a SOF-Kayak in India - suggest some wood please...

hi all.
I'm planning to make a Skin On Frame Kayak for recreational use.
I may not get just the wood that you guys get at your local store, I live in South India, and want to know what kind of wood would be right choice?

Please tell in what terms you people decide the wood? Like - should it be heavy or light weight? grains? knots? what is the criteria that decides the choice?

Why I ask this is because, here I may not get red wood or cedar that you guys get out there, or imported wood does not come in full length while I prefer full length over scarfing or butt join.

And the name varies a lot in local languages, so it is best to tell what specification or the scientific name for the same. I can source the closest match.

I plan to make the kayak with Marine ply cross sections and hence wood is needed for the gunwales and chine stringers only.


Here are a few timber I might get around my place and their density.

1. Aini/Aangili 595 Kg/m3
2. Bean Teak - 675
3. Jack 595
4. Saj/Lauraceae - 880
5. Red Cedar - 450 Kg/m3

How about Rubber-tree wood? It is very light, bends well and looks strong. It is usually used in packings.

I presume the wood has to be moderately strong, moderately packed, least knots or no knots, least or no bent/twisted and light weight.

[WRC] seems to be the best choice for you people, but I do not think I can get the same here, though some imported is available it must be short in length.

I came across the White Pinewood timber an hour before, it looked white/yellow little knots, close grain, light weight (real light) and available. If there is any thought about white pine please leave a message. [Pinewood is used in matchsticks making, packing heavy machinery, automotive loading in trucks[1 ton weights], chalk box making, and a variety of other uses, and some office furniture making, with varnish it looks nice and beautiful].

thanks,
MS