Hi
Here in Sweden we use Nordic spruce, Picea albae, in many kayaks. I have built six myself and for half an hour ago I came home from the now emptied workshop. I have run a study circle this winter in kayakbuilding. Eight men have built their own kayaks. Seven of them in Nordic spruce and one S´n´G. Tonight we coated the seventh with PU. Thats the only ´varnish` we put on.
The eight kayak has been moved cause the builder had to make a journey, he is finishing soon at home.
We use strips 4,5 x 19 mm and they make a laminate that is very strong and light. The laminate has once been tested by The Royal Technical University and got values far beyond glassfiberarmed polyester. For durability you can compare with flagpoles. Glassfiberarmed use to have a guaranty for 10-15 years. Spruce trees is harvested after about 100 years and they have branches gathering snow and wind much more than a flag.

I´m going to show pictures from the circle very soon, maybe tonight.
As soon as the Panache is ready we are going for a masslaunching. The regional TV has booked a place for filming this event and the interest for wooden kayaks is very high. I can fill atleast three more circles already.

Use spruce and why not alder for accents instead of mahogany. or both.

Richard