Hi Rick, Teak is traditional on boats because it doesn't rot; ..........but it has to be maintained, or, ..........you finally give up and let it become a nice grey. If you keep your boat covered, varnishing your teak, or oiling it, should do the job without too much work. However a boat on a mooring or in a slip for the summer will need more teak attention. Books have been written on the subject. I guess it boils down to how much labor are you willing to invest in keeping your teak looking great? Teak requires labor. Either get yourself some slaves to do the job: or Navy deck hands. Then, as Captain, you just say, "I want the teak to shine" and they do as you command. If you have no deck hands or slaves, and you as Captain have to do the job yourself, then you face the question: how much work am I willing to invest; or can I invest; in glossy - (make the others drool) - teak? If the answer is: I'd rather be sailing, then grey teak is a lovely color. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Hatch boards: Teak is nice if you have it - but if you don't, - then why not use your white oak? The finish will be lighter in color than the teak, but so what? If you don't like the lighter color, stain it! Connie