I should have said for warships to be extra clear as if you make something small enough even balsa wood works. Also, oak holds up better in a wet and salty environment.
They used oak because it was proven to work across centuries. They took down sails during storms to avoid damage to the mast, which would happen no matter what wood is used.
Acorn to Arabella made their mast from spruce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGac8Xa-i8A (skip to 1:53)
I don’t really know what I’m talking about, but I think an oak mast is more likely to break in a storm because it’s stiffer.
Douglas fir are historically popular for masts as well because they grow so straight and tall.
Spruce is a great material for masts because it’s light and strong. Fir might be appropriate, too. Avoid pine, it’s knotty and rots faster.
I should have said for warships to be extra clear as if you make something small enough even balsa wood works. Also, oak holds up better in a wet and salty environment.
They used oak because it was proven to work across centuries. They took down sails during storms to avoid damage to the mast, which would happen no matter what wood is used.