Finishing a bowsprite

[brad614]

I have an older Sea Ray that I have removed the bowsprite from and stripped it down to the bare teak. I like that color, so I don't want to stain it. However, I want to put some type of hard clear finish on it to protect the wood from the anchor and chain. Any input on how I can get a hard surface with a gloss?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Finishing a bowsprite

Polyurathane?

 

[sasto]

Re: Finishing a bowsprite

I haven't found anything hard enough to protect the bowsprit from the anchor or chain. Everything I've seen used looks bad after a few uses. If she were mine and I used the anchor frequently I would use teak oil. Easy to repair. Some will have other ideas. Like to see a photo, bet she looks good.

 

[brad614]

Re: Finishing a bowsprite

Thanks for your advice. After seeing what the polyurethane looked like that was already on there, I decided just to strip it down and go with straight teak oil. After many hours of sanding, followed by several healthy applications of teak oil, I'm very happy with the results! Here is a couple of pictures - let me know what you think.

 

[backyard mechanic]

Re: Finishing a bowsprite

Exactly right... Good quality teak oil. If the wood gets a little dinged up more teak oil fixes the problem. You'll find the teak oil will last longer too. A few coats on a rag every now and again and it looks like a well cared for boat.

My 87 SeaRay had lots of (gingerbread) teak on the deck and a huge all teak swim board. I used teak oil with great result. I had to refinish my Cetol job after two years. That was more than I wanted to do again.

Ever see one of those older Carvers with all the teak? The best you will ever see one is when they use teak oil (as the manufacturer recommends). If you have ever see one all peeled up and sun burnt you will know why you DO NOT use Cetol, polyurethane or other varnish type products.

Bright work is twice as hard to refinish with that stuff on it. Ask anyone who has a lot of bright work... They will know.

 

[MRS]

Re: Finishing a bowsprite

Good job I hate when people coat teak with any thing but teak oil they just ruin it. If you clean it up good and oil turns out great. Had to do that with my new old boat the teak was coated with something was a pain to get off but once off and cleaned used teak oil and looks good now... Good job.