Teak options?

[Southern Star]

I would suggest you stay away from oak for anything but frames in a traditional wooden monohull - it will turn black with any moisture penetration. Iroko was suggested in a previous post and I agree totally - it is about 1/4 the price of teak, has similar colour/grain and is dense and has significant natural oils. As I recall, Practical Boater from the UK did a comparison test of woods for marine applications and found that Iroko was at least as good as teak overall and second only to teak in natural oils.

I have a boat with solid Iroko trim and toerail, Iroko, teak and cherry joinerwork and the iroko has been sensational in terms of durability and appearance.

Brad

[easterly]

HDPE maintenance free