i was wandering what type of wood i should use, i heard ash was good for the frame, so i will use ash for the frame. and oak i am going to use for the part that is going in the water. but for the rest would pine be ok to use? remember besides the ash and oak, i want the best but the cheapest.
Are you building a full size sail boat or a model? If you are building a full size boat then the designer of the boat can guide you with what wood to use. If this is your first wood boat building project, then I would suggest that you also look into boats that can be built out of marine plywood. There are excellent designs available, and even kit boats where all the wood parts are pre cut for you.
For other ideas take a look at b&byachtdesign. com I really like their core sound 17 sailboat design. (search google fo core sound 17)
the wooden boat forum is another good source of info.
I’m not sure exactly what your building, but don’t mix woods like pine and ash. . . . . . For years Mahogany was the standard for yachts. Other “hard” woods were desirable, but soft wood just would not last. Unfortunately, these woods are far from cheap. . . . . . but to do otherwise is just a waste. I guess that’s why fiberglass is used in so many boats.
A wooden sailboat with a hull made of oak would be exceedingly heavy. Cedar is used for strip or plank construction. The cedar is usually coated with fibreglass for extra strength and protection.
If you are building a boat for use, as opposed to a model, do not use ash for the frame or you will have all sorts of problems as it ages.
I strongly recommend you go to WoodenBoat Magazine and read a few issues, as they are the standard reference on modern wood construction for boats. I also recommend you read Chappelle and Sucher on boat design and construction.
Are you working from a set of plans or creating this boat from your own ideas? Chappelle and Sucher will also be useful in this regard, as will other designers who have written for the popular journals.