On Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:07:48 +0100, "Edgar"
wrote:


"cavelamb" wrote in message
om...
KLC Lewis wrote:
"Gordon" wrote in message
...
Thinking of putting ratlines on my lower shrouds. Whats a good wood?
Thinking maybe Doug fir.
The first step will be a sheer pole. Up 16 inches will be a
prestretched dacron rope rung. Another rope rung 16 inches up from that.
Then a wood step, the 2 more ropes etc.
Any thoughts?
Gordon

Doug Fir is prone to rot and termites. Granted that termites would be a
relatively insignificant problem, teak is still superior. Brian Toss
gives a good outline of ratlines in his "Rigger's Apprentice," if memory
serves.


Which brings to mind a question...

Is the U.S. still boycotting Burma teak?

Even if they were because it would seem a bit pointless anyway since Burma
teak has been very hard to find for some time.
.Most of the teak now comes from elsewhere-mostly Thailand

Thai teak actually comes from Burma or Cambodia as there hasn't been
any appreciable amount of teak cut in Thailand for years - it was all
cut down.

I have a brother-in-law who was in the "timber business" some 40 years
ago and at that time the "timber business" consisted of a bunch of
scouts (B-in-L) running around the country looking for trees. When
they found a single teak tree they attempted to negotiate a price from
the owner and if the price was favorable they then sold the tree on to
a mill.
Cheers,

Bruce