I'm just going to throw this out for comments:
Regarding antifreeze, I have read that soaking dried and cracked wood in the
regular old "green" antifreeze (glycerine ?)would actually restore the wood
to its former glory.
Is this true for the pink stuff (which of course would safer as it is non
toxic) ?

"Matt Colie" wrote in message
...
snip
If you get hung up, pour as much RV antifreeze around in the bilge as you
can. That is non-toxic propylene glycol and it will not hurt the wood at
all.