Boatbuilding Woods
A useful chart
Below is a boatbuilder’s “wood info” chart that comes from the book, Boatbuilder’s Notebook from Glen-L Marine.
* I would be interested in producing an updated or revised version of this reference chart. Please let us know if the comments below if you have any suggested changes or if there is anything you think could be added to make it more helpful.—Eds
Please add the scientific name of the woods, because common names can sometimes be very confusing. There can be many common names for a single species, plus there is the language barrier. Thanks.
One of the best things you could add to the chart is a general explanation about the differences between "softwoods" and "hardwoods", especially since these have little, if anything to do with the strength, density, texture, or durability of the designated wood species. For example, Southern Long Leaf Yellow Pine (a softwood) is significantly stronger, denser, and more durable than Okoume (a hardwood). The fact (rarely, if ever explained) is that softwoods are coniferous, whereas hardwoods are deciduous. And simply coming to understand that clears up a mountain of the confusion that surrounds the selection of timber in DIY and even some professional circles. Sail on ... keep the wind at your back!