[smurphny]

Replacing the teak toe rail and gunwale structure with aluminum is an interesting idea. If aluminum can be fitted, it seems like a viable alternative to wood. I don't know why the folks in your link rejected welding which would have allowed adjustment to the complex angles along the rail. It would also have eliminated a lot of bolting. With a little care, a nicely fitted welded rail could have been fabricated.

There seem to be lots of wood species that pass for "teak." I have noticed that many of the old 60s vintage A35s like mine have problems with rotted toe rail teak. There is no sign of any rot in mine which is really a mystery because she was never babied or kept indoors. The wood shows wear but no rot, even in butt joints that were obviously neglected over the years. Pearson must have used "teak" from different locations in the construction back in the '60s. So, if you're thinking "teak" it could be a real crapshoot as to its rot resistance. If considering replacing the entire toe rail structure, the aluminum idea sounds like a good one except for aesthetic considerations.

I replaced the teak piece under the main sheet traveler with Canarywood which has been on for three years now and looks like it's holding up well. Mahogany is too soft, requires a lot of maintenance, and rots quickly.

 

[smurphny]

I have owned many old wood boats: Richardson, Wheeler, Pacemaker, Egg Harbor, Larson, Old Town, and various small motor and sailboats and can assure you that most species of mahogany used on these boats was prone to rot and a constant repair item. I have dug out, cut out, replaced and cursed many, many board feet of rotten mahogany. Sorry, but mahogany would certainly not be my choice for a toerail. I have a mahogany table in the cabin. Beautiful wood.

 

[smurphny]

The most rot resistant wood I know of is Black Locust. The stuff can lay on the forest floor for decades without rotting. Teak certainly does rot. I think the relative rot resistance must depend on the specific species and probably even the specific area from which it came.Teak decks with hundreds of feet of potentially leaky black polysulfide seams are a freaking nightmare IMO. It looks nice but the maintenance is outrageous.