better splash well ideas

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the splash well on my 18 footer is essentially just a piece of plywood 8 inches tall spanning the middle of the transom. it was painted (not well) white before i got the boat. ive been toying with ideas as to how to change this, both so it looks better and functions better. the only idea i have short of building a gorgeous flip cover like one in the gallery is to build one that comes up flush with the top of the transom, and cut a "U" out of it so the motor can be tilted up for trailering. my question (finally) is - could i build this out of teak 1x's joined using a biscuit joiner and marine glue? or would i have tgo go with something synthetic like starboard? id like to use wood, but if im going to redo it i want it to last also. i know this is small change next to the major restos posted in this forum but any input would be appreciated. thanks