Western Red Cedar vs End Grain Balsa

[ameardevil]

Interested to hear peoples opinions on the pros and cons of strip planked western red cedar and end grain balsa for catamaran construction.
Thanks
Helen

[Gashmore]

Before starting Rutu I researched Eastern White cedar and Baltek balsa strips. The cedar with a bi-directional E-glass encapsulation worked out a good bit heavier than the Baltek and a bit stiffer. Cedar was a good bit less expensive but then I cured and cut my own strips which was more work than the actual layup. It was also a lot better for impact resistance and more rot resistant should the membrane be breached.

I think it depends on what you are after. If the priority is performance and a ready made product with less regard for cost, Baltek balsa would be the choice. For a stiffer hull at a slightly lower cost white cedar seems to be better. Western red might work out about the same cost as Baltek.

[ameardevil]

Thanks Gashmore
We are looking at a cat built from Western Red and our concern was the weight which you have confirmed.
Helen