American Mahogany-Highly Regarded, but Fickle

摘要

Among the premier boatbuilding woods of the world, mahogany certainly ranks near the top. Teak may be better for decking, and live oak may be preferred for heavy frames, but if I had to build an entire boat with only one wood, I think I would choose mahogany. Some 22 years ago, I discussed the ways of distinguishing various species of true mahoganies and also how to separate these from counterfeit species in the Dipterocarpaceae family namely the so-called Philippine mahoganies, more correctly designated as lauan, meranti, etc. (see WB No. 55, 1983).