Yes, I agree. I am doing whatever I can to us light woods and keep the boat light. Since I am building the first GIS Yawl, I have been trying to keep the boat light because of the extra mast steps and mizzen rig.
What I am wondering, is how many GIS are out there that have side arms at BHD # 2 that are 45mm instead of 60mm?
I am a weight freak and weigh just about everything I build. (clothing,gear, boats) Here is an example, I weighed the 1x4 material for my oars to make sure they started out at the same raw weight. I will then weigh them to balance the 2 oars to make them symmetrical as I finish them. I will do do the same for the wales. I want the port and starboard side to weight the same. It may only be a few ounces difference, but if I can start with a balanced boat?
I also know that the most sailing I do will be on starboard tack. After 30 years of sailing in the same region, (Gulf Coast, also known as the Third Coast) you just know these things. So if I have to decide which side of the boat will be heavier, I will chose that the starboard side (up wind side) will have the extra weight.
As I prep for this summers NFT (next fun trip) I know it will make very little difference if the port and starboard side weigh the same. However, I just like to know where I am starting.
JDG