I used Doug Fir for my gunnels and stringers. Oak for the ribs. Overbuild the boat, but is would withstand almost anything you throw at it. Weighs in at about 45 lbs. I would use Doug fir again for both the gunnels and stringers (have on a Yost Sea Ranger 28 lbs.). Underbuild that one, but don't intend to take it in the surf.
I agree with the idea of use what is available. If you have access to Spruce - use that instead. If not be picky about the fir and choose the lightest boards in the stack, but get some wood and build!

Foster

P.S. NorthWesterner and love Doug Fir. Would use it just to make sure the wood gets used. Have to see the trees go to waste.

: I just landed a job working for a lumber/timber company in Everett,
: WA. They produce 8 ft to 22 ft Douglas Fir planks that vary in
: width from 4 to 12 in and thicknesses of 1 to 6 inches. i also
: found out today they give employees a ridiculously good discount
: on wood as well... so my question is can Fir be used for strip
: kayaks and also do they make decent frames for skinned yaks as
: well?

: thanks all!