fixing a teak hatch...

[Valentina]

Hey there sailors.
As my winter project I am fixing up a sliding companionway hatch on E27
It is made of slightly curved teak planks 2.5 in wide with gaps in between.
Those gaps were filled with some rubbery substance that is all cracked up and falling out. I have removed all the filler in the gaps, but now am puzzled at what to fill them with? I have no idea what was used originally.
I have seen hatches that have white filler in between teak planks, some hatches have black or brown... some varnished over and some just sealed...
What is the best way?
What sealer/filler should I use?
Should I varnish over gaps or leave them?
What is the best varnish for Midwest?
Thanks,
V

 

[higgs]

Sounds like the stuff used on teak decks. Check this out:
http://www.maritimewoodproducts.com/ChemicalProducts/teakdeckcaulk.html

 

[zeehag]

POLYSULFIDE caulk
i donot use varnish..your call..goood luck with that....i use teak oil and on my slider on the formosa i used teak sealer--is discontinued--worked great so far---keeping water out....