Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild
Hey jason-
Wood! Now you're getting into the fun parts. (Furniture/cabinet builder here.) That reclaimed lumber you have is a gem! I saw some flat-sawn boards in your stack, but looks like mostly vertical grain, and very tight growth rings in the one you cleaned up. It is very difficult to find lumber like that anywhere now, and is in high enough demand for the VG fir that the prices have soared. For reference, we just did a job using top grade 1x4 VG for trim in an old house, and we paid, wholesale, about 4 bucks per linear foot if i remember right.
As reclaimed, with hardware holes, etc, you'd be hard pressed to find a buyer, so that wood is perfect for your own projects. But if you have too much left over (that's a big load!) try craigslisting it with some photos of it cleaned up.
A few suggestions... when planning the build, remember that solid wood, unlike plywood, ALWAYS moves with changes in weather and seasons as it gains and loses moisture. A good rule of thumb for that is 1/8" per foot. This has been a challenge for woodworkers for millennia. gotta somehow make room for that movement while maintaining structural integrity.
Also, fir and larch have decent weather resistance, but nothing like cedar, redwood, or teak. Keep this in mind for your finish, and keeping ends and edges away from the deck or other moisture exposure. It will work great, provided you are diligent about checking your finish on it regularly and re-sealing any problem spots immediately. Fir likes to flake off hard coats, and doesn't like to absorb oil coats, and the worst problem is its tendency to check and crack when moisture and sunlight get to it at the same time for extended periods.
Give a shout if needed as you progress. I may be able to give some suggestions re: using this beautiful lumber.
-Ben
