Wood for replacement caprail?

[snider]

Hey I'm replacing my caprail. I want a wood that looks good varnished. What should I use. Of course the lumber guy tried to sell me teak, which I suppose mught be the best. A lot of the old schooners were built with white oak, which is impervious to water and cheaper. What about mahogony? What would be a good choice? Thanks Brandon

[nolatom]

For trim (as opposed to decks where teak is used, or hull frames where oak was used), mahogany's the traditional choice, and is drop-dead beautiful when varnished.