You're right that Lignum vitae's extreme density causes it to sink in water. However, its density and hardness also make it very resilient to impact, wear, and crushing forces. In shipbuilding, Lignum vitae is often used for applications where these properties are important, such as:

- Propeller bushings and bearings: Lignum vitae's hardness and lubricity make it good for bushings and bearings that support rotating shafts. It withstands the friction and forces involved well.
- Pulley systems: Lignum vitae can be used for sheaves and other pulley system components that need to withstand tension and wear.
- Ship's wheels: Lignum vitae's density and hardness make it a good material for ship's wheels and other steering/control components that need to withstand forces.

So while Lignum vitae sinks in water due to its density, that same density is what makes it useful for certain high-stress, high-impact components in shipbuilding. It is often used for core parts that are then covered or combined with other materials.
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