Teak Ruminations
 

In addition to the to-and-fro here, I have been researching the teak deck
dilemma. There is no doubt that a teak deck is a potentially huge problem
on a cored construction boat. Regardless of how good it looks, it can be a
nightmare. I think, at best, that insistence on such a deck probably
necessitates removal of the planking and resealing of the core (provided it
is not waterlogged) and then replacing the teak planking- at some point in
the boat's life. This is a serious undertaking, and in the 20 yr old boat I
am looking at that point is probably due; prudence would dictate doing it.
I'm wondering if there is any sort of test- say, ultrasound- that can
reliably determine the condition of the core material? Such a test may be
prohibitively expensive, but it crossed my mind. I also have found out
through the Cheoy Lee Association that the boat I have looked at has been on
the market for approximately a year and half. This suggests a few things-
the seller is an obstinate cuss who isn't interested in negotiating, the
boat has some problems, or no one wants to chance a teak deck :) Another
boat I've found to look over is a 1985 Westerly 36; if I have time this
weekend I'll have a quick look.

I'm crewing on a Ranger 33 in a race Saturday, so that'll be the main focus
for the weekend- it's the Galveston Bay "Icicle" Series (god I hate cold
weather), and it should be interesting. If it works out well, I may crew
for the owner in some overnight/offshore races this spring. I'm sure this
will be a very instructive experience.

Wendy