Well I've stirred up a lively discussion. The kayak in question is a very old, originally cheap Folbot kit boat. It was built with a fiberglass hull over a plywood frame (pine stringers), and a canvas deck. I don't expect it to last forever--I've had it for 20 years and it's at least 30 years old--but I have a sentimental attachment to it, and fixing it is a way of getting my feet wet in the shop, so to speak, and trying new things.
I have a fair amount of wood on hand, including an odd-shaped chunk of clear white oak. Ash is also available and eastern white cedar is plentiful in this area. For this project, I'm not planning to order anything in--strictly what's on hand.