I recently removed a good bit of discolored caulk from between the fiberglass seat and teak backrest in the cockpit. When I removed it I noticed WAY too much moisture trapped there by the caulk, consequently turning the teak black in places. The fiberglass seat extends all the way up the sides, so the teak is merely a nice decorative element, like a back splash - about a foot tall and 9 feet long. Admittedly it is a bit unsightly to have a gap at the bottom, but if moisture is being trapped isn't it just smarter to leave the caulk off? Has anyone had experience with this? I've covered everything (loosly) with plastic to let it dry out, but am now wondering why I need caulk there at all. Will sanding get the black out of the teak or is that permanent? Any advice would be welcome.
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Teak Cleaners
The discoloration in the teak may be helped by some of the teak cleaners available at West Marine and other chandleries. There are 2 types. The mildest is a 1 part cleaner, the strongest is a 2 part cleaner. Read the label and follow the instructions (and wear gloves). You might want to try removing the slab of teak before treating it and refinishing. As for the caulking you describe, if it is trapping moisture I dont think it is helping much. My $.02.
The discoloration in the teak may be helped by some of the teak cleaners available at West Marine and other chandleries. There are 2 types. The mildest is a 1 part cleaner, the strongest is a 2 part cleaner. Read the label and follow the instructions (and wear gloves). You might want to try removing the slab of teak before treating it and refinishing. As for the caulking you describe, if it is trapping moisture I dont think it is helping much. My $.02.
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