DIY - Teak gunnels
 

Anyone ever install teak gunnels on their boat ? I have a 23' Tsunami and have played with the idea of running teak along the side gunnels over the transom cap ( I have an I/O ).

Heard that I could grind the non-skid a bit, and use epoxy to hold it all down along with the black silicone-like stuff in between the pcs of teak.

Reasons:

- I like the look and feel of teak and do not find it to be a lot of maintenance - I don't oil it or varnish, just clean it 2x a season - looks great.

- I have some nice looking, non structural spidercracks that I don't want to deal with w/ sanding and gelcoat and tis would hide 90% of them.

Input as usual appreciated.

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

I am a fan of teak,and teak covering boards done right would look great.IMO I would use one length down each side and one across the transom,mitered to fit each joint so you wouldn't need the black caulk.You can grind off the gel coat and bed it in epoxy and cabosil screw from the under side with temporary screws and washers to hold it in place until the epoxy sets.Once the epoxy sets remove the screws and it's there forever.I've done it on a couple boats and I'm getting ready to do it on a custom carolina boat that a buddy and I are finishing.Don't stop with the covering boards,put a teak toe rail on her as well! :)

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

This Formula restore is on THT now and is super nice!!!!

http://tinyurl.com/ywlxuv

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

I saw that formula but can not get over the seams in the teak, I can not stand that, It would go right through each rod holder, hawse pipe, etc.

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

It seams Trayder don't like seams! :D

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

The alternative is using VERY expensive pcs of solid teak ! But, I agree. It would be a hassle to have the seams go through the rod holders or hawse pipe.

Any alternatives with teak and the rod/hawse problem that look good ?

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

On some custom boats they make a one piece diamond for the rod holder or hawse pipe so that they actually mount in a solid piece of teak and have no seams. Not really atractive but eliminates the seams.

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

I thought about that, but the look, as you mentioned, is not as nice.

How much would the teak be to do the whole thing in solid wood - a lot I assume ? Especially since the stern is wide and 8' !

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

I purchased about 16' of teak 10" wide and it cost about 350. The wider the teak the more expensive even when they tell it is sold by the board foot.

Re: DIY - Teak gunnels
 

Hmm. Any recommendation as to what is better teak than others - I know there is a difference in quality, but do not not what to look for. $350 is expensive, so I'll have to shop it... Any other pix of this type of teak layout ?

Thx.