Why Teak???

[Sam Morgan]

I was at a Nevada Yacht Club meeting today where a number of members showed their boats. A couple of the boat owners mentioned that they had changed the wood trim from teak to oak because oak finished and looked better. From what I saw, oak looked like a better choice for wood trim. Which leads to the question, why does Hunter use teak when oak looks like a better choice?

 

[John]

Teak

Teak is the choice for exposed to weather wood because of the natural rot resistant properties of the wood, much like cedar. It is also less brittle than oak.Any wood can be used for trim (with in reason ie; balsa) as long as it is properly cared for and protected from the elements, some just do it better than others.

 

[Paul Akers]

Perfectly said, John

Also, that is why you see less and less teak on the outside of many boats these days.

 

[Jeff]

Cost

If you keep your exterior teak varnished then you can use a variety of woods. 4/4 teak around here is about $17.50 sq.ft.. Way too much. Interior work can be real interesting for a whole lot less money. Birdseye maple, cherry, good old mahog etc. Today everybody is hung up on teak.

 

[Steve O.]

also

When oak absorbs water (which it WILL do when used on a boat) it stains it a grayish black color that won't come out. Teak is a naturally oily wood (which makes it harder to varnish) but when cleaned with a two-part teak cleaner will bounce right back and finish like new, whetehr oiled, varnished or cetoled.