Priced out cedar. A canoe ends up being rather pricey. Even if I use crap cedar from the Big Box store. But moderately OK mystery wood (some looks like Engelmann) with small knots etc is in fine supply as 2 by xxx for construction. It's light, bends, and as far as I can tell, wouldn't be any different from cedar in a strip built boat. Other than not looking super pretty. I'm more in favor of painted boats anyway, and if I want bright finish in the interior, I can always stain.

Any reason not to use inexpensive wood?

Western red cedar: specific gravity 0.32, elasticity 1.11, crush 4560

Engelmann spruce: specific gravity 0.35; elasticity 1.30, crush 4480

Looks pretty close in characteristics.

Would be used beveled rather than bead and cove.

Am I missing something?