I couldn't sourcce 1088 locally and used the marine grade 6566 for my Chesapeake 17 last year. I'm guessing here, but the surfaces seemed more like "B" and "C" (i.e., slightly lower than the "A" and "B" of 1088). I was careful in my layout to keep the "B" side external and the boat turned out looking great...beautifual grain patterns enhanced by a "bright" finish. I didn't encounter any voids and the wood was a pleasure to work with...

All that aside, don't cheap out on the wood. It's a relatively small percentage of the overall cost (when compared with epoxy) and a huge percentage of the overall appearance of the boat.

Good luck and keep reading this BB...the members are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.