Restoring Cockpit Sole

[Michael Clark]

Hi, All! I have a 1963 Owens Sea Skiff and I want to resurface the cockpit sole with a nice wood and nice white caulk stripes (maybe I'll go darker with caulk). I've been told that teak is the way to go, but this is a working person's cruiser -- not a Chris Craft. So I want to maintain that down-to-earth (or down-to-the water) quality. I've been told that Oregon pine is an option (Douglas Fir). Right now the sole deck is plywood with a vinyl striped covering (I forget the name, but it's well known).

Any thoughts? I want to get some color on the cockpit deck, and thus teak's greying quality is not what I want. If I use teak, can I stain it? Is that a crime against nature?

Thanks!

 

[Blueknarr]

Any thoughts? I want to get some color on the cockpit deck, and thus teak's greying quality is not what I want. If I use teak, can I stain it? Is that a crime against nature?

Welcome to the forum.

1st all wood will grey with age and exposure.
2nd teak is often stained to maintain it's color. So nothing sacrilegious there. However, many stains damage the caulking.
3rd teak is very hard and makes kind wearing decking, which is heavy.
4th fiir is lighter, softer and prone to splinters.

Have you considered cork or faux cork?

 

[gonzo]

Vinyl is the cheapest, lightest and easiest option: BLT AquaTread Imaged Teak Marine Vinyl Flooring, 8.5' wide https://www.overtons.com/blt-aquatread-imaged-teak-marine-vinyl-flooring-8.5-wide-331188_TLSP.html?CAWELAID=120071730000393909&s_kwcid=adwords__&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4fHkBRDcARIsACV58_GP59GwheKLNE1jYFWZ2ONlXGqsbc-X4XOFL9nImGv1nYgFFy7OfiwaAm40EALw_wcB

Another option is teak and holly plywood:
Edensaw Woods LTD | Quality Marine Plywood & Lumber Yard Supply http://www.edensaw.com/mainsite/store1/StoreProducts/ProductList/410

 

[Mr Efficiency]

I like the vinyl idea !