Best wood finish

[Time_Out]

Getting closer to the rebuilding stage of my boat's restoration. I have new handrails and will probably be getting new hatch boards as well soon. My question is, for exterior wood, is Helmsman Spar Urethane ok,(have several quarts on hand) or does it tend to yellow and need redoing right away? I've heard it's ok for interior use, and I've used it on the new bulkheads that I've made. But there's also the teak shelf fiddles that need something. Just thought I'd seek the advice of those with far greater experience than me on this topic. Thanks in advance for your replies!
Jerry

 

[Barry B.]

Jerry, it's been my experience that when it comes finishing the wood on on the boats there are so many favorite ways to do this that it comes down finding your own preference. Spar varnish or urethane hold up very good out in the elements so much so that fire departments use them on the wooden handles of their tools. Only downside is that when it needs to be redone you need to sand it or if it is peeling scrape it off (broken glass makes a great scraper for this especially on odd shaped areas). I have noticed that many members on this forum also swear by Cetol, I don't have any experience with it myself. Others like to use Teak Oil, this is my personal choice. I buy a kit with Teak Cleaner and Teak Oil. I keep covers on my handrails, tiller handle, hatch slides, and companion way trim and only need to refinish them every few years. I'm sure you will get a lot of recommendations from members on the board. For any other types of wood you may use on the outside of the boat I would definitely use the Spar Urethane.

 

[Time_Out]

Thanks Barry, that does really help. I like the idea of covers for the wood pieces, that should prolong the maintenance interval. Maybe the
Spar urethane isn't such a bad option after all.

 

[T_Cat]

Also keep in mind what state you live in. Out here in California we have VOC and clean air programs that prohibits what we can buy. I've used Helmsman and Chabot spar varnish with great results!

 

[Stu Jackson]

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7505.msg55622.html#msg55622

Barry's right.

Good luck.

"Your boat, your choice."

 

[Gene Neill]

I think varnish is definitely the most beautiful.

Cetol is what I use, primarily because that's what was on my boat when I bought it. It's also easy to touch up and recoat.

Teak oil has a certain "cool" factor to it that attracts me. If I were starting with a brand new boat (or just all new brightwork), I might go that way.

 

[Rwrohlfs]

I had rubbed on about 15 to 20 coats of teak oil early this spring and just recently applied a coat of Sikkens Cetol. The wood had already started to grey after all that teak oil. I am much happier with the looks of the Cetol. A much richer color came through. My boat sits on a lift in west central Minnesota!

 

[hewebb]

When I got my boat all the teak was gray and some needed replacement. I sanded the good parts and made new for the others. I used teak oil to finish. About once a year I took a rag and wiped on another coat. This year I had a cover made that covered nearly all of the deck and cockpit. Mostly to keep the bird droppings off the boat but it does keep the wood covered and in good condition. This year I have not added any teak oil. It is all about what you like and what you are willing to do to keep it protected and looking good. Some folks like the weathered teak.

 

[watercolors II]

If you use varnish

http://www.cbmm.org/l_boatyard.htm

These people use “Flagship Varnish” 13 coats to start!

 

[Time_Out]

Wow! Not even considering taking it to that level! Unless I start getting volunteers to help out and supporters of my Catalina 22 restoration and preservation project begin donating to the cause! Hmmm, maybe that's the answer after all...