Interior Timber 'options' - 1999 H340

[markymac1961]

Hi Folks,
I've noticed on interior pics of other H340's around '99 build, there seems to be 2 different interior timber stains/types of wood and/or veneer used.... some 'darker' and some 'lighter'. Were there different factory options? Mine seems to be the much darker shade, but I'm not sure if this is just mould, dirt, or a bad attempt at a refinish treatment by a previous owner. I'm keen to carefully and safely 'strip' the whole boat interior back to original, and re-finish with a lighter shade. Any tips or experiences greatly appreciated (I believe the original product used from factory was Dalys Seafin and Profin - keen to take it back to original spec) Thanks in advance peops - Mark Mac Brisbane Australia

 

[smokey73]

Pictures?

 

[markymac1961]

Pictures?

Yep... Good idea mate. Here we go.

 

[Ed Caldwell]

That shade is definitely darker than my '99 H340. I'll speculate that a previous owner used a dark wood stain. There's nothing in the original sales brochure about factory options on interior stains. I've only used generic teak oil and the color hasn't changed. I do have wear spots, particularly in areas that get more sun, that are lighter than the original color.

 

[Ed Caldwell]

some of my interior shots

 

[sailcapt340]

some 'darker' and some 'lighter'. Were there different factory options?

No….When I bought my 2000 340 ( new in Jan.2000) There were no factory options available to choose from. And there were darker and lighter woods used.

I'm not sure if this is just mould, dirt, or a bad attempt at a refinish treatment by a previous owner

From your photos, I don’t see mold or refinishing that has happened. I do see very “dry” wood. The oils have been baked out, drawn out of the wood. Pretty natural response wood will have over years of not being treated on a regular basis.
You need to restore the natural oils in the wood, as best you can. There area around the door knobs can be cleaned using a good “hard wood floor“ cleaner. Thats a build up from hands natural oils, hands with sun tan oils, hand creams etc. And will clean fairly easily.

I'm keen to carefully and safely 'strip' the whole boat interior back to original, and re-finish with a lighter shade

If you really want to strip and sand the wood for a lighter color….its a big job and getting a final color even really won’t happen. You may not like the results once you’ve finished.

I use a product called Old English Oil on my interior woods. It naturally restores the woods oils, cleans and has a great smell to it. It brings out the depths of the woods natural colors. Try it in small area with just a rag to see if you like the results. Your woods will absorb it like a sponge at first. I believe it will give you a great looking finish. Worth a try at first
From what you show in your photos, you have a nice even color to the wood as it stands.
Here are few photos of our interior. Bear in mind it is a process I do twice a year and it keeps the wood in good condition.

 

[markymac1961]

some of my interior shots

WOW Ed. That looks beeeautiful! A credit to u mate. Wish I could wave a magic wand and get that finish. But alas... I think I'll be 'waving the elbows' instead for quite some time. I might start with a good clean with an appropriate 'safe' option, (mild soapy water and a 'soft' scourer?)... then when I see what I've got and go from there. Thanks for the reply... and keep up the good(wood) work cheers - Mark Mac

(Here's a shot of the table which is that lovely honey colour, similar to yours. The bulkhead behind, and rest of boat has defo been hit with a super dark stain by a previous owner. I want the honey back!!!)

 

[markymac1961]

No….When I bought my 2000 340 ( new in Jan.2000) There were no factory options available to choose from. And there were darker and lighter woods used.

From your photos, I don’t see mold or refinishing that has happened. I do see very “dry” wood. The oils have been baked out, drawn out of the wood. Pretty natural response wood will have over years of not being treated on a regular basis.
You need to restore the natural oils in the wood, as best you can. There area around the door knobs can be cleaned using a good “hard wood floor“ cleaner. Thats a build up from hands natural oils, hands with sun tan oils, hand creams etc. And will clean fairly easily.


If you really want to strip and sand the wood for a lighter color….its a big job and getting a final color even really won’t happen. You may not like the results once you’ve finished.

I use a product called Old English Oil on my interior woods. It naturally restores the woods oils, cleans and has a great smell to it. It brings out the depths of the woods natural colors. Try it in small area with just a rag to see if you like the results. Your woods will absorb it like a sponge at first. I believe it will give you a great looking finish. Worth a try at first
From what you show in your photos, you have a nice even color to the wood as it stands.
Here are few photos of our interior. Bear in mind it is a process I do twice a year and it keeps the wood in good condition.

Great tips and info mate. Much appreciated. Will seek out that oil 'down under' cheers. - Mark Mac

 

[markymac1961]

UPDATE: Thanks for tips and tricks folks. Much appreciated cheers. So I experimented with a MF cloth, water based turpentine... and no more than 30 seconds of light rubbing.

Here's the results (the light spots)

Thinking a lot of the 'dark shade' may be just dirt and grime accumulated over time and poor maintenace .

I might try first with sugar soap and a gentle scrub to get the grime off. Then see how we go from there with recommended wood oil/treatment (I believe Daly's was the original factory finish used. It's still available) - MM