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I am starting to build the Bullet. What are some good wood choices for the framing material?

It looks like pine is being used in alot of the builds for framing???

Hi TD.
Choice of timber depends upon availability where you live. Careful with Pine, normal pine is very soft and susceptible to rot. Have a search through the forum as this has been discussed quite a lot and there are various answers depending upon location.
Also, add in your location to your profile so people can see where you are and then they people nearby can respond.
Cheers,
Glenn.

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By the time I have built a boat, I'll be ready to build a boat....

Stay away from most pines. Quarter sawn White Oak is a great choice and its inexpensive as quality boat building lumber goes. Mahogany is a great choice in areas where the wood will be finished bright and not painted over. Regular box store pine is fine for the building form jig though.

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My Zip build log...
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"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

I bought some African Mohagany yesterday and started with that, but at $7.50 a board foot, I thought for frame work, (parts of a boat that wont be seen) this was quite high. African is beautiful wood and I thought I could use that for deck material and trim work. I keep seeing white pine as a good option, check pricing on that today. Thanks for the help.

Honestly, for the amount of timber used for framing and given the effort to actually build a boat and the length of time it will likely survive I'd go with the tried and true. It's not just the look of mahogany, it is strong but relatively light, has a good grain for good fixing, is easy to work, is relatively rot resistant, and takes glue well. Keep away from Pine, even though some supplier will say it is suitable it may well not be the right species and will just not last.
Don't get me wrong, it is your boat and your money but you asked for opinions and that is mine.
Best of luck and enjoy the journey!

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By the time I have built a boat, I'll be ready to build a boat....

Southern Yellow Pine is fine. But, you have to make sure that is what you have! White pine is not good in a boat.

Bill

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Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

I used mahogany (well, a close relative called Sapelle) for my frames and I'd use it again in a heartbeat, even if I was to paint over it. Strong, not to heavy, relatively easy to work with, epoxy sticks to it, and rot resistant.

I am not a fan of pine myself. I took a few month to source my wood, worth the investment.

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Ian (aka Iggy)
My Malahini Build

I think I will go ahead and go with the mohagany. With Trackhappy's comment I think this is my best way to go. Still one more question though, are the longitudinals "cant spell" considered frame as well? Thanks again

Youll be happy, its great stuff to work with. I went with almost all african mahogany at the same price you are paying and the lumber turned out to be only 20% of the total cost of the build in the end. Plenty of other places to be resourceful and cut costs.

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My Zip build log...
http://www.vupilot.blogspot.com
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"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

I used mahogany as well and the boat was amazingly light until I put the white oak motor stringers in . I used white oak in locations that will take the most stress and I can tell you that working with mahogany is much nicer. The oak is so ridiculously strong though. No problem mixing to have a hybrid of sorts. Ive heard of people using ash with good results...almost as strong as oak and a but lighter and half the cost or less than mahogany...especially with the recent ash borer.

I have most of the frame members cut and glued. I started working on the transom today and the plans really have me confused. Does anyone have a good photo of the transom on their Bullet available? I have looked at the pictures on this site, but nothing in detail enough. Good pointer as well. Received my epoxy glue this week and found it really difficult to pour. Wife bought two small bottles of Dawn soap. I cleaned the bottles out and transfered epoxy into the bottles. I now have a good squirt bottle to measure my epoxy.

I have actually made some pretty good progress on this boat, but have once more encountered problems. Boat frame is attached to the construction frame, stem glued in place, everything square and it actually looks like a boat. How in the world do I twist the chine log in to place? There is not only bending, but twisting as well. I thought of ripping the chine length wise and laminating. It would be easier to twist and bend. Also thought of building a steam box. Just not sure. Any suggestions? I will try to post a photo. Not sure if the photo is here or not???

Another photo

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