: One way to avoid all of this is to get 20 ft lengths.

That was the original plan, unfortunately the wood I had access to (and at the right price) is in 12 - 15 foot lengths. So will only need one joint per piece, and none on some of the shorter bits.

: On another point though, I did some sculpting years ago (when I lived on the
: Gold Coast) in Australian Red Cedar.

Will look into Aussie Cedar. There's a few different types out here called Cedar. if it's light I may be able to get 20 foot lengths for a future project.

: Another great very light weight Ausi wood is Heuon Pine

Huon Pine is sensational, but very slow growing and difficult to get - and if you can get it, it costs a fortune. A friend has built a small launch out of huon (row boat, like 18th century ship's boats - lapstrake hull, all copper clinched nails, ribbed, etc). Absolutely beautiful, but about 12' long and I'm sure it's cost him close to $10,000 to do all in Huon. Very light, minimal grain, varnishes to a soft yellow/light wood colour.

So I have my WRC for now, it's just a bit short. Enough for a couple of kayaks then I'll try other woods. One will be Paulownia, a new species here that's similar to WRC but about 1/3 of it's weight/density but still similar strength and properties.

Regards,
Darren