Best way to weatherproof wood on a boat deck

[mariobrothers88]

Hey guys I'm building a wooden play structure of douglas fir 2x4s on my boat for the kids and I was wondering what is the best way to weatherproof it other than epoxy? Should I got with an exterior latex paint with sealer top coat, waterproof acrylic enamel paint, varnish, penetrating stain, or natural oil like tung or boiled linseed? Which one of these options do you think will provide the best protection? Thanks for any advice!!

 

[jehardiman]

Because it's doug fir, I'd just use a latex porch paint; not just exterior but a real porch and floor paint.

 

[BoatEngineer]

I would first choose Douglas Fir that has no SAP wood. You are paying the same $8-9/ 2x4 at big boxes, so make sure you get your money's worth by picking through the stacks.

 

[fallguy]

Oil based primer and porch and floor enamel suitable over oil.