I used 3/4" mahogany finished with Cetol 'natural teak' and 'marine gloss'. Looks good, not overly expensive and holds up well. I had doors instead of hatch boards on my M17. Larry Yake made some nice ones that are very similar. Maybe he'll come in with a pic. Definitely a lot more work to build doors but they function well. Mark Dvorscak M23, M15 and former M17 On Aug 3, 2017 3:23 PM, "John Schinnerer" <john@eco-living.net> wrote:
Hi all,
I'm contemplating what to use for new companionway boards on my M17. It came with some probably previous-owner-made plywood ones that are warped enough across their width that they don't line up well any more, especially the joint between the middle and top one (3 boards on mine).
What has anyone used for companionway boards?
Looking for experiences anyone has had with various options.
I'm pondering something like Starboard. Anyone had problems with sagging/warping in hot weather? Or thermal expansion/contraction?
I am also wondering if the lighter weight Starboard XL would work - anyone used that for anything? Mostly it just says it's 30% lighter, and has "less structural strength." But not clear exactly what that means...for this kind of application.
Looking for a reasonable combination of price vs. durability. And low maintenance is desirable.
Thus the questions about plastic board products. Oiled teak would look gorgeous but I think it would cost a fortune.
thanks, John S.
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com