Can anyone advise an alternative replacement for my teak companionway slats? I'd like to get some form of plexiglass or plastic to reduce maintenance.
How to replace companionway slats?
- Thread starter Browndog
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Browndog,
Suggest that you refinish the existing boards. Doesn't take very long. Sand 'em down with a sander to get past the grey weathered wood and put as many coats of Cetol or Minwax Helmsman as you think you want. As an alternative to varnish, you can use teak oil (but it takes more periodic maintenance - every month or two). Either way, it doesn't take much work and the wood looks soooo good. The refinishing of the hatch boards doesn't take that much work. I did 'em a couple of weeks ago. Sanded them down, varnished and then left them on the dock box. Went out sailing while they were drying. Next day I did another coat, same process. Did a third likewise. Used throw-away sponge brushes so I didn't have to clean up. I used Helmsman and prefer it to Cetol, but its a personal preference thing (no flames, please). The boards look a whole lot better than the greyish white weathered appearance they had before.
Suggest that you refinish the existing boards. Doesn't take very long. Sand 'em down with a sander to get past the grey weathered wood and put as many coats of Cetol or Minwax Helmsman as you think you want. As an alternative to varnish, you can use teak oil (but it takes more periodic maintenance - every month or two). Either way, it doesn't take much work and the wood looks soooo good. The refinishing of the hatch boards doesn't take that much work. I did 'em a couple of weeks ago. Sanded them down, varnished and then left them on the dock box. Went out sailing while they were drying. Next day I did another coat, same process. Did a third likewise. Used throw-away sponge brushes so I didn't have to clean up. I used Helmsman and prefer it to Cetol, but its a personal preference thing (no flames, please). The boards look a whole lot better than the greyish white weathered appearance they had before.
Companionway Slats
Took mine to a plastic shop and had them make duplicates out of plexiglass.I think it cost about $100.Sanded the old ones down and used the material to make some interior shelving.
Took mine to a plastic shop and had them make duplicates out of plexiglass.I think it cost about $100.Sanded the old ones down and used the material to make some interior shelving.
Companionway Slats Plastic Sign Material
I asked the local sign shop for a scrap piece of plastic sign material. I then cut it the same size as the teak hatch cover. This material is available in almost any color and thickness. The piece in the photo is almost two years old. Never fades and is virtually indestructible. If you wanted to get creative, you could route the name of the boat into the plastic (which would be white or any other color you choose). Bryce
I asked the local sign shop for a scrap piece of plastic sign material. I then cut it the same size as the teak hatch cover. This material is available in almost any color and thickness. The piece in the photo is almost two years old. Never fades and is virtually indestructible. If you wanted to get creative, you could route the name of the boat into the plastic (which would be white or any other color you choose). Bryce
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