Sunday, February 24, 2013

REFIT Plan: Exterior Teak

The Plan:

With the use of a scraper, some teak cleaner and brightener, I plan to scrub any exposed exterior teak to freshen in up to get ready for varnish.

I know many people that would say to leave it go grey because of all the work involved to varnish. I like the look of varnish. The previous finish got a little worn and fell apart. I'm thinking if I can get a good base to start with, it should be easier to maintain. From how I heard what CETOL looks like, I suspected that it was used before. My suspicions were correct when I browsed through an old maintenance book. I like the look of the Epifanes varnish I'm using for the handrails and will continue with that.

The bowsprit and stern will need some more cleaning off of the old varnish more than the sides but it'll all get a good scrub.

While I did the handrails, mainly because they were leaking inside, I'm looking at doing the rest during the refit period but I could just work on it slowly over time.

There are some spots, that can be seen in pictures, where the plugs have popped out. The intention is to plug them up again and hide the screws. There is also places where it looks like caulking could be replaced as well.

This is the stern, flaking off.



Hatchboards for the companion way.




 
Calking needs replaced.



Some holes need re-plugged.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Dan

    I'd say varnish is beautiful, but is both an investment and a continuing commitment. If you aren't going to be around every 6 mos to touch it up, you're likely to have to start over.

    If you aren't ready and able to take that on, either oiled wood or Cetol is the way to go for the exterior.

    Having some canvas protection would be a help, in any case.

    Regards,

    Matt

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  2. I remember when Teresa, with SV Daphne, was selling her boat, part of the equipment list was a fabric boat cover that covered all the wood. The few covers for the hatches on the boat is well worn and thinking some day to replace. I'm really interested in getting a full boat cover made for the boat to help protect from sun and weather.

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