[sdcantrell56]

Yes okoume is quite difficult to find. In fact there is only one dealer of okoume in all of Atlanta and we actually got very lucky that they had any in stock. Okoume will gouge slightly easier than baltic birch or meranti, but when bumpers are required, this negative is completely negated.

I would not hesitate to build with baltic birch, and actually if we use wood in future seasons, probably will go with baltic birch due to availability and cost but if you can find okoume and can afford it, the weight savings is quite noticeable.