Some fairly good news about lumber for the mast (for those who want to avoid scarfing). I screwed up one of the side staves (forgot it was not supposed to be tapered aft) and ordered a couple 16' 1x4's from Timber Products Inc. (via Lowe's). I ordered an extra just in case. Anyway, the two 1x4's look very nice--one small knot, but it will be cut off with the taper, and the extra one is totally clear.
These 1x4's are about $17 each, so four would be $68 vs. $88 for a 1x12. And, if you make a mistake it is a $17 mistake, not an $88 mistake.
It's a lot easier to find clear 1x4's than clear 1x12's. Why didn't I think of this to start with?! Getting stupider with age I guess.