Wood selection for top decking?

[tiller7104]

Hey all, I have a 17 foot Sea Nymph aluminum fishing boat that has Mahogany rails on top of gunnals. I am a carpenter so I know my way aroung the wood but I am looking for a better alternative. It is not a cost thing because I need very little. I wanted to steer clear of teak because this is not a boat that I want to be driveway bound while I am refinishing wood! I was thinking cedar, or something along that line. Was just wondering what you guys thought and if any of you have had any luck with any other species of wood for marine applications?
As always thanks in advance and safe boating!

 

[oncebitten]

Re: Wood selection for top decking?

Here's a thread where someone has used cypress and cherry. Not what I would use, but it's interesting idea.

http://209.190.4.227/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11430

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Wood selection for top decking?

Tiller, A lot of boats use unfinished teak for rails and hatch covers. Rub some teak oil on them everyone once in a while, and their good!. I can't imagine anything easier than that.

 

[tiller7104]

Re: Wood selection for top decking?

Oncebitten, I checked out your web page nice looking boats. I guess I will end up with teak I am just not a fan of the Honey color? Just personal preferance I guess. Not real sure about cypress LOL but hey it is different Thanks for the imput I do like to run things by you guys to get some ideas thanks again!

 

[oncebitten]

Re: Wood selection for top decking?

Thanks for the complement. When I was doing my 13' boat I asked about different kinds of woods for topsides, I was considering birch because I really like the grain patterns of birch and the light color. I think there is a baltic birch that uses exterior glues, which might be nice and light colored, but it would take some experimenting with different finishes to get the right tone I think.

If I were to do something like that, I would make sure I completely saturated it with a high-end epoxy like Silver Tip from S3, to minimize darkening of the wood. I would do at least two coats for water protection and then I would cover with a top-quality clear coat with UV inhibitors.

I don't know, something to consider maybe. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[tiller7104]

Re: Wood selection for top decking?

Thanks I actually found some reclaimed mahogany that just has some beautiful burl patterns that I think will just look great. Although my boat is an aluminum and looks like everyone elses LOL I do like to put my little touchs that enjoy when the fish are not biteing LOL. Keep up the great carpentry work Oncebitten it is a labor of love (dumb saying but true) Be Safe

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Wood selection for top decking?

Tiller, FYI when you use teak oil it won't come out as a honey color, it will look like a deep redish brown.