Need timbers for SOF kayaks SW of Victoria.

I'm going to build some SOF boats for the grandkids , and need to source some light straight grained knot free timbers down this way , SW Vic.
Any pointers ?.
Regards Rob J.

Paulownia has been suggested , available in Melbourne Paulownia Timber .
Any comments?.
Rob J.

Howdy Rob,

I used Paulownia for the stringers of my SOF kayak. It's ideal - lightweight, easily worked, bends quite well and is reasonably priced - at least it was when I bought mine.
Currently using it to build a SOT fishing ski.

The source you linked to and one in Qld are the only ones I know of and the timber may come from the same plantation anyway.

What design are you going to build - or are you designing your own?

Thanks for that Bob.
I'm going to start with a Dave Gentry Kidyak Kidyak page .
If it turns out ok , I've got lots more grandkids to build for , and some big kids too.
Regards and thanks Rob J.

I asked Dave about using Pawlownia for the kidyak , this is his response.
"Paulownia is fine for stringers, though it is not very strong at all. You might beef up the gunwales and keel a bit, to compensate.



Dave".

For this boat , I'll be using a 3.3 metre mahogany board.
Hopefully , I'll be building more SOF boats , so I'll certainly try other woods.
Regards Rob J.