So far nobody answered your question about bedding hardware to the deck. Boat Life Caulk is made to cure in the air and doesn't fully harden. It's made for fittings above the waterline. West Marine & others have it. In a message dated 10/8/2007 5:22:01 PM Mountain Standard Time, GILASAILR@aol.com writes: Robbin, I have varnish on the hatch ribs (too much work in Arizona or Southern climes). But they are laminated white oak - really pretty - but lotsa work! For the handrails : I use real 100% Tung oil (hard to find - I get it at Woodworkers Source $22.00/qt) _http://www.woodworkerssource.net/_ (http://www.woodworkerssource.net/) - Old Masters # 90004 Sand wood - do not use high pressure spray (car wash) on teak to brighten it up, it removes the heart wood. Sand smooth,oil, let dry, I use 0000 Steel wool between coats maybe 5 or 6 coats, this lasts about 6 mos. in the Arizona sun. If you are farther North or cover the boat it should last a long time. Make sure the oil is 100% Tung oil - not Tung oil varnish or Tung oil finish. Big difference in durability. A quart should do a 15 or 17 for 5 years or so. I have replaced the railwood and hatch slide wood with "Starboard" UHDPE(?) or something like that. Best thing I ever did to the exterior of my boat- little bit of work with a router but not rocket surgery. No funky lookin' bolted on wood to sand and re-oil ALL the time - except those handrails. Good luck, Take Care, Have Fun Gary O. M-17 #316a Team Geezer Racing.....Old and in the Way Arizona Sailing Squadron ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com