Flat sawn lumber was often used in lapstrake planking rather than quarter sawn or rift sawn as it was more split resistant especially at the garboard and next one. But your rift sawn sure looks nicer and is more dimensionally stable. I would prefer it for the sides in boats with more strakes. Also the poured boiling water method which I have done (not my favorite) works much faster and you also get more time to do the fitting. But you can get burned easily. I steam in a plastic bag sealed with aluminum HVAC tape. Gains are cut different ways but I cut my gains the same way as you.
Most hand planes work well, if they have been properly sharpened. My personal favorites are pre-WW2 Stanleys and Records - or new premium ones such as Lie-Nielsen. These planes are quite an investment, though, and by no means necessary to build a beautiful boat.
Thanks for the video. I hope the lack of content on this channel for the last five months means your classes are full and you are busy and happy passing on your knowledge🙂
Thanks for your message! Yes, I've been spending the last year finishing the online apprenticeship on building the Fiddlehead Canoe. As I write this message, my video editing program is rendering the final video: launch day. 🎉 So in the coming months, I can focus on making a lot more RU-vid content. I'm really looking forward to that!
