Teak on a new CP 23

[cpak23]

Does anyone know what the exterior teak finish is on a new CP-23? I'm replacing exterior teak on my 23 and trying to decide what finish to use. Made me curious on how they come new.

I decided to refinish with Semco and love how it turned out. Of course I have no idea how it will last.

[brackish]

I  bought my 23IV used but the previous owner said it came to them bare wood, inside and out.  They then finished it themselves.  I don't know if that is common practice, you could call the Hutchins yard I'm sure they would be glad to tell you.

[cpak23]

That's interesting and what is it finished with now? I'm on the fence about Cetol or Teak Oil.

[HeaveToo]

Two coats cetol light and then 3-4 coats cetol clear on top.

[frank]

I'll confirm that the exterior teak comes totally unfinished from the factory.
The inside is oiled.

I assume they leave exterior unfinished because there are so very many preferences/costs on exterior finish.

[brackish]

It was finished with Waterlox Original Marine sealer, both interior and exterior.  The interior is beautiful after being untouched for 11 years.  The exterior didn't last 3.  That's what UV does.  I stripped the exterior and tried Bristol which is a two part polyurethane.  Beautiful initially, but still no go against year round sun exposure.  I'm currently letting it strip off naturally and am considering three options.  Quarterly scrub and oil, Semco which is a Cetol type coating, or pure epoxy on the base wood then coated with Epifanes clear varnish.

When asking for opinions on teak coatings it is always good to qualify.  Is your boat to be weather eposed 24/7, 365 days a year or will it be covered.  If covered anything will work.  If exposed the quest continues.........

Now I'll get the popcorn.

[cdflan]

My Horizon Cat came with unfinished exterior teak.  I wanted a natural look and decided on Semco.  Very happy with appearance but it must be maintained at least every 2 to 3 months (Florida).  Have used Cetol in the past but never liked the color/appearance.  On other boats, have used Petit's Z-Spar Captains with pretty good results.  Tried Minwax Helmsman over a year ago on the tiller and you can get it at Home Depot for about half the cost of the Petit.  Practical Sailor had a reasonably good rating on the Minwax which is why I tried it.  Still good coating integrity (except where I've dinged it) and good gloss.  The Semco refinishing has gotten ahead of me and I'm debating on refinishing everything with Minwax.  The PS test results showed the best results with Interlux Perfection two part finish but it's a pain to apply and I'm not sure how easy it would be to strip if you didn't keep to a rigorous touch up and refinishing (PS results were still excellent after 2 years in Florida exposure).

[Jon898]

Fairly good discussion on the subject at this post: http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=6871.msg49713#msg49713