Where to find Sitka Spruce?

[Wind River]

My Hudson Force 50 has wood masts and spreaders. I need to replace a lower spreader on the main mast due to rot and I am looking for suitable material (other than aluminum )

In my research, Sitka Spruce is the wood of choice but I cannot find any in the size that I need. The actual spreader dimensions are 1-11/16" thick, 7" wide and 62-5/8" long. I have found narrower and thinner material but nothing in the size I need.

I am considering replacing all the spreaders next year with aluminum when the masts are coming down, just not ready to do that yet.

Any suggestions on where to find the spruce in Southern California? (Aircraft Spruce and Ganhal Lumber don't have it)
Is there a good substitute for the spruce that is more readily available?

[model 10]

With all the modern glues, I'm surprised you won't laminate.

[Wind River]

Originally Posted by Guy

With all the modern glues, I'm surprised you won't laminate.

I considered laminating one dimension but didn't want to laminate the thickness and the width.

[Cotemar]

Any clear grain Spruce will work well

[Wind River]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Any clear grain Spruce will work well

When talking to Ganahl lumber I specifically asked for Sitka Spruce. I didn't think to ask for any other type of spruce. Maybe it is more readily available. Time for another call.
I have read that Douglas fir could be used but is a distant second choice.

[Panope]

SPRUCE SPAR STOCK from Aircraft Spruce

[Wind River]

Originally Posted by Panope

SPRUCE SPAR STOCK from Aircraft Spruce

Thanks Panope, I tried Aircraft Spruce and they don't have the dimensions I am looking for in width or thickness. I even tried their lumber department for a rough cut that might be thicker and wider but no luck. They mill all their lumber to the size they sell.

[Panope]

Originally Posted by Wind River

Thanks Panope, I tried Aircraft Spruce and they don't have the dimensions I am looking for in width or thickness. I even tried their lumber department for a rough cut that might be thicker and wider but no luck. They mill all their lumber to the size they sell.

Oops. Sorry, I did not read your original post thoroughly enough.

We have a specialty wood dealer here in Port Townsend called Edensaw woods. Might be worth a phone call.

Edensaw:Main Site: Marine Plywood Supplier

[Wind River]

Originally Posted by Panope

Oops. Sorry, I did not read your original post thoroughly enough.

We have a specialty wood dealer here in Port Townsend called Edensaw woods. Might be worth a phone call.

Edensaw:Main Site: Marine Plywood Supplier

Thanks for the link. If I can't find another type of spruce locally I will give them a try.

[Ukeluthier]

Sitka spruce has just about the highest stiffness/weight ratio of commonly available woods... that's why it is specified for boat and aircraft spars.

Other species might perform satisfactorily, just not as well.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Ukeluthier

Sitka spruce has just about the highest stiffness/weight ratio of commonly available woods... that's why it is specified for boat and aircraft spars.

Other species might perform satisfactorily, just not as well.

That is not completly true. There are a bunch of wood types that can be approved for an aircraft wing spar. faa 43.13.1A
The Spruce Goose is made from Ash.

[Matt sachs]

Originally Posted by Guy

That is not completly true. There are a bunch of wood types that can be approved for an aircraft wing spar. faa 43.13.1A
The Spruce Goose is made from Ash.

I guess you can't name an airplane "The Ash Goose" That would be just wrong. lol.

[Cheechako]

AFAIK Aircraft Spruce is Sitka Spruce. Doug Fir would be fine, but it needs to be fir not hemlock. Spruce is used as it is very light, but not split prone like cedar. Fir is as strong or stronger but heavier, and harder less prone to impact damage. CVG Fir is available although expensive.

[gulfstar37]

I know its a little ways away from California but Public lumber in Detroit Mi. has a large supply of sitka in large boards long enough for what you are looking for. Google them to get their web site.

For us hard water sailors in winter, only place for wood for ice boats. Now you know our fix for winter times.

[Roy M]

I have used vertical grain Douglas fir, STAIR TREAD. It's thicker and has true vertical grain. It's heavier, but more available than the good stuff.