The Best Wood For A Rebuild Of Companionway Doors?

[Captain Curran]

Hello cruisers,

The last person to build the wooden companionway doors on my Newport 30 seemed to use an untreated Birch plywood. The rain has swollen the wood and left it in poor shape.

I am going to build a new door. It is going to be 4 separate pieces, and the pieces need to slide into an (approx.) 1/3 inch track.

I was thinking I would track down some teak or marine plywood for job.

Any ideas on suitable wood types.
Thanks
Kevin

[JPA Cate]

You're talking drop boards, right?

If so, if teak, then solid, may be varnished.

Or, polycarbonate or methacrylate. Lexan is stronger, but may haze over time. Both allow light in. The Perspex can be frosted, if you want both light and privacy.

Ann

[Terra Nova]

Rebuild it using solid teak. Or, if you must use plywood, be certain it has exterior glue.

[Island Time O25]

If you're looking to maintain "traditional" look than teak is it. If you want hassle free boards darker shade of Lexan would do the job well. If you're handy and not afraid to use a saw you may find a few pieces to chose from at your local junk boatyard. On my previous boat I've replaced old and leaky boards with Lexan I picked up at the yard for about $20. Took me few minutes to cut it down to proper size and about half an hour to sand the edges smooth. Much less time than it would take me to shlep to and fro the local Lexan shop and for fraction of the cost.

[Captain Curran]

Thanks for the input.
Well, teak it is. The trim on the exterior is teak, so the collapsible door
Should compliment that. And then I'll give it some varnish.
I do like the idea of lexan for longevity, but I think teak is what this job calls for.
Kevin

[JPA Cate]

Captain Curran,

Seriously consider making at least one "light" in one of the boards. It is surprising how much benefit there is to letting in light, for instance, sailing downwind in large seas, when you want boards in.

Ann

[Captain Curran]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Captain Curran,

Seriously consider making at least one "light" in one of the boards. It is surprising how much benefit there is to letting in light, for instance, sailing downwind in large seas, when you want boards in.

Ann

I hear ya. I do see the benefit of letting light in. Though I'm currently living aboard in San Diego. So, I'm mostly trying to keep light out of the cabin, as the copious sunshine down here can get to you after awhile. I'm from the PAC NW, so I'm not used to all this vitamin d...
Plus I already have transparent hatches, and many windows, so light is leaking in everywhere.

[robwilk37]

currently, Soroyan Lumber up in san marcos has some nice 4/4 teak for $20/bf...

[meirriba]

You may consider adding louvers to the door to enhance air circulation.

[fred4936]

Hi, I tried teak veneered plywood in a Rhodes 22. i did put some sealer on it, but it fell apart after a few years. My curreent boat is a Tartan 27-2, and it has a long piece if Lexan. the light it lets through is nice. ut it is all one piece. So this winter I am planning on putting Teak boards in the bottom half, to seat height, then new clear plastic for the top half.