Wood replacement for cabin door and canopy

[jrale]

Macgregor Owners,

Besides Teak wood, Is there another type of wood can I use to replace the exterior cabin door guide and the track for sliding canopy?

 

[MrMikey64]

I would think just about any hardwood would work - if it is properly treated and sealed against the elements. Use a good marine varnish to seal it well.
Depending on how well it mills and your skill level, you might want to consider the "fake" wood products available at Home Depot and such, or even go so far as to order HDPE replacements (you can find them on eBay - a complete set will run you about $160) or make them yourself using King Starboard.

 

[David Hall22685]

Can those HDPE replacements be painted/stained/varnished to a nice wood color instead of that anticeptic white?

 

[caguy]

I made mine ouy of mahogany and covered with a UV protected varnish. They looks just as good as the teak@ones I@just made for the Catalina and way cheaper. I used Cetol clear on the last ones. Time will tell which hold up better.

 

[Freedom77]

The biggest enemy of exterior wood is sunlight. I live in Nevada where the sun shines 27 hours a day. It ain't hell but you can see it from here. If you can cover your top sides and hatch cover glides with canvas it will cut down on maintenance. I have the teak glides on my 1976 V25. They are showing their age but still work OK. I use Watco danish oil on them. If you are looking to replace contact Bluewater Yachts in Seattle. they specialize in MacGregor "stuff". Fair Winds...

 

[beamreach]

I would use oak. It will hold up well under the abrasion of sliding hatches and is of course quite tight grained and hard. Takes varnish well.

 

[MrMikey64]

Good question

Can those HDPE replacements be painted/stained/varnished to a nice wood color instead of that anticeptic white?

I do not think the replacements will take a stain, but stuff like the "fake wood" I think can be.
As an alternative, though, you can buy King Starboard in colors other than white (such as black, dolphin grey, and seafoam to name a few). Check with the manufacturer to see what they have to offer.

 

[timebandit]

Thin strip on aft of slider is oak the rest is fake wood. All is stained and clear coated.
I don't think the white HTPE can be painted or stained. It is just like a cutting board so if you want, just get a get cheep one from wallyworld and give it a try.

 

[nemosuit]

I would use oak. It will hold up well under the abrasion of sliding hatches and is of course quite tight grained and hard. Takes varnish well.

Home Depot has some trim pieces in red oak that are close to the same width, thickness, and shape of the original teak pieces. Cheap, too: 12-foot sections are only a few bucks. A minor trim on the tablesaw will provide the correct slider gap; and the wood looks great sealed in clear, high gloss polyurethane

VBR,

Pat

 

[timebandit]

Be sure whatever you use to clearcoat that it is rated for outdoor use. that meens that it has some UV protection and will last al lot longer.

Home Depot has some trim pieces in red oak that are close to the same width, thickness, and shape of the original teak pieces. Cheap, too: 12-foot sections are only a few bucks. A minor trim on the tablesaw will provide the correct slider gap; and the wood looks great sealed in clear, high gloss polyurethane

VBR,

Pat

 

[Justin_NSA]

I can get Seaboard, another HDPE equivalent to Starboard locally in white or black. It's pricey though. For a 1/2X48X96 sheet it's $220 in white and $240 in black
When you consider maintenance cost of wood, HDPE is a good value in the long run.

 

[timebandit]

I think most of the stuff requires a full one inch. The one reason I went to the fake wood is that it is a full one inch thich unlike the 1" milled lumber wich is only 7/8" thick or less. You can get 1" oak and stuff but you have to order it and it is pricy.

I can get Seaboard, another HDPE equivalent to Starboard locally in white or black. It's pricey though. For a 1/2X48X96 sheet it's $220 in white and $240 in black
When you consider maintenance cost of wood, HDPE is a good value in the long run.

 

[MrMikey64]

Hmmmmm...

I can get Seaboard, another HDPE equivalent to Starboard locally in white or black. It's pricey though. For a 1/2X48X96 sheet it's $220 in white and $240 in black
When you consider maintenance cost of wood, HDPE is a good value in the long run.

Can't seem to find Seaboard or Starboard anywhere locally out here - so I've had to scan eBay and such for sources. There is one company on there that sells 3/4" and 1" stock, though as mentioned earlier it is kinda pricey. They offer it in white, off-white, grey, black....

 

[Justin_NSA]

Can't seem to find Seaboard or Starboard anywhere locally out here - so I've had to scan eBay and such for sources. There is one company on there that sells 3/4" and 1" stock, though as mentioned earlier it is kinda pricey. They offer it in white, off-white, grey, black....

Where did you look? We have a place noted for skylights, window well covers etc called Lustercraft that sells it. You may need to expand your search

 

[MrMikey64]

I will have to try that, perhaps with terms that are more generalized. Worst case scenario, the ones I've found on eBay offer free delivery, and the pieces they offer are of reasonable size to work with. $13-$14/sq. ft. doesn't seem too bad if I can't find it locally.

 

[nemosuit]

Be sure whatever you use to clearcoat that it is rated for outdoor use. that meens that it has some UV protection and will last al lot longer.

Oh schnit! I didn't think of that! Used the stuff my wife bought for the bathroom cabinet doors. Going downstairs to check the label now...but this is a good point for all to be aware of. Thanks TB!

VBR,

Pat

 

[timebandit]

Good luck!
After using inside on a project I add three coats of outdoor on it and it seems to be all right.

Oh schnit! I didn't think of that! Used the stuff my wife bought for the bathroom cabinet doors. Going downstairs to check the label now...but this is a good point for all to be aware of. Thanks TB!

VBR,

Pat

 

[norpacsm]

If you are looking for a lower cost hardwood the works well outside try Sipo it looks like Mahogany but is less $$$. should be able to get at any hardwood/ woodworking store like Woodcraft Supply. I teach woodworking class at a woodcraft and would be happy to help if i can.

 

[norpacsm]

you can also look for African Mohogany also less $$.
thats what i made thiis holder out of.
the rails are from home depo just stained first then finished with
system three marine finish.

 

[oreana123]

Replaced all of my wood with white HDPE. The plastic I used has a built in UV resistance. It also has a slippery surface, and it will conform to uneven surfaces without cracking. I would rather sail a boat, than work on it, I have but one piece of wood topsides, the bow platform. John S Boise