alternative to teak

Ipe, but it probably would cost you even more than teak.

-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.

Don’t know how much Purpleheart across the pond, it will darken instead of graying though.

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"

If the existing wood on the boat is teak, then you probably should stick with it.

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

I have a friend that has an old wooden boat. Most of the trim on the boat is Mahogany. It’s finished and requires maintenance but looks fantastic. I believe the hull of the boat is from White Oak. As apposed to Red Oak, White Oak as closed pores to help prevent rot.

-- http://theinquisitivewoodworker.com/

Lignum Vitae. I know the “real variety” is quite expensive but the Argentine variety (aka Bulnesia sarmientoi) is more reasonable has lot of the same qualities, i.e. oily. Don’t know availability across the pond though. Don’t know that the olive green color would be exactly what the owner wants.

-- Dad to 5, Son of The One

Definately White Oak. I ran into this recently on an outdoor chaise lounge project. I wanted Teak but it is so expensive. Doesn’t matter what side of the pond. I chose White Oak because it is just as rot and water resistent. I put together a finishing schedule as well to match the finished color of teak too. Slight grain difference but almost identical in color…at least until the sun has her way with it.

-- Check out my blog and podcast "The Renaissance Woodworker" at www.rogersfinewoodworking.com/blog

Just use what Noah used when he built the Ark, “Gopher Wood” aka Cypress….extremely water and weather resistant. The cost is reasonable on Cypress, I get it for about 1.00 a Bdft out of Louisiana, South Texas and Mexico…plus it is lighter in weight since it is a hatch…

ps: just out of curiousity, what woods are native to the UK, I should know this :) Most of my family is from the Liverpool area, I being the only one born in the US..

Good Luck
Frank

-- Frank, Little River/Academy, Texas , http://www.allthingsrustix.com