gunnels for estdale canoe

[Ron Bull]

replacing the gunnels of my reconstructed estdale canoe. What is the best wood to use. The wood will have to be steamed and bent.

 

[Benson Gray]

I can't find any reference to an "estdale canoe" so I suspect that you are asking about the Easdale canoe that you posted about previously. Their catalog below does not specify the wood(s) used in their canoe's rails but it does say "trimmed in Phil. Mahogany." Their boats had mahogany rails as shown at http://forums.wcha.org/showthread.php?8496 for example. Old Town and other builders typically used spruce or mahogany for canoe rails. The best wood is often determined by what is available in your area. Good luck,

Benson