Best wood for spreaders?

[Tree_hugger]

I am replacing my spreaders. The original wood spreaders have survived 37 years but the time has come. Is there any "best" wood to use in building new ones?

[paulk]

Sitka Spruce is the favored wood for spars, including spreaders. Be sure to varnish it thoroughly. (Varnishing is better than painting because it allows you to see where moisture may be getting through to the wood and causing rot.)
If spruce isn''t available, a good piece of cedar may also work. It seems to have better rot-resistance than many other woods. For further input , you may also want to try asking his on the Woodenboat forum.