Maintaining a Teak Deck in Florida or Caribbean

[Snore]

Thought I knew what type of boat I wanted to buy so I started looking at specimens....Then I fell in love with Cabo Ricos.

How hard is it to maintain teak decks? I often see them untreated, but that seems to be the recipe for early decay of the wood.

Any insight into maintaining teak decks down in Florida or other semi-tropical setting will be appreciated.

Bill

[barnakiel]

Plenty of shade will help. Keep it cool and avoid splashing red hot teak with ice cold water.

Mould inhibitor helps too. I think Hempel makes one kind.

I found good condition decks easy to maintain, poor condition ones are a waste of time. Just do not let yours to go from one end to the other ;-)

b.

[cabo_sailor]

I really didn't want a teak deck and don't have one but I'm told the secret is salt water. The salt crystals remain in the grain of the wood. Salt is hygroscopic, it will suck moisture out of the air. So long as those crystals are absorbing water the wood should not dry out and crack. The subject is treated in a number of boat maintenance books but if you are contemplating a Cabo Rico I suggest this book on maintaining and finishing wood. Whatever you do, avoid the use of oil on exterior teak, you'll be replacing it every month or so.

Amazon.com: The Brightwork Companion : Tried-and-True Methods and Strongly Held Opinions in Thirteen and One-Half Chapters (0639785802969): Rebecca Wittman: Books

I consider it my bible. Following her instructions I've not had to strip my exterior teak in almost 3 years.

Good luck,

Rich

[Tellie]

Not too much shade here in Florida if you're out cruising. Cabos are beautiful boats but you'll have plenty enough boat work as it is while out cruising. Leave that beautiful wood work to the magazine covers and the yacht club parades. Remember the KISS rule and keep your life as uncomplicated as possible.

[Snore]

Thanks for the inputs! This thread reflects what I have been debating in my mind. Tellie your comment about KISS is spot on. The thought of hosing off the saltwater from everywhere and the spaying it on the teak to preserve it sounds like work. Exactly what I want to STOP doing.

Bill

[Honey Ryder]

plenty of salt water. and let it go grey.

i know people who sand it down and apply oil. loads of work and it thins the deck.

doesn't drift wood look great in its natural state on the beach?

[Unicorn Dreams]

On my parents boat all we did was wash it and oil it about once a year,