[mondofromredondo]

I realize this is largely an aesthetic decision for a person to make. However of those of you who have made the decision to varnish the interior teak on you PSC did you have any regrets afterwards? Perhaps you are thinking to yourselves, "I'm sure glad I did this". Or regrets?

As my 1988 teak is darkening I'm wondering that after a good clean perhaps varnishing wouldn't be a bad idea. If so given the interior doesn't see the elements as much this would be a one time application and then no maintenance at all.

A freind of mine painted the upper outboard teak panels that the Portlights are built into a shiney white which seems to be the direction I believe some of the newer PSC's are going. I have to admit that it lightened up the interior immensely while still retaining lots of un painted teak trim in the interior.

Have any of you experienced or developed opinions on the pros and cons of these changes to the interior?

Thanks

 

[Faster]

Not a PSCer, but I really like the mix of bright clean panels and teak trim, along with teak panels in bulkheads etc.

A friend with an Ericson 'all teak' finish removed the water damaged teak that was on the inner cabin sides and replaced it with an off white formica - huge improvement in brightness and really updated the look and feel of the boat. Even given that painting perfectly good teak must be some sort of mortal sin, I think it's something to consider...

We have a lot of 'teaky' (boat's built in Brazil so I'm not sure of the species) wood below, but a nice bright headliner and good sized ports for a pretty bright interior.. I think this kind of combo works.

 

[PorFin]

...

As my 1988 teak is darkening I'm wondering that after a good clean perhaps varnishing wouldn't be a bad idea. If so given the interior doesn't see the elements as much this would be a one time application and then no maintenance at all.

Thanks

Haven't got a PSC, but we do have a ton of teak below. If you do decide to refinish, you might want to go with polyurethane instead of varnish. With little UV to worry about the poly will hold up fine, and it's a lot more forgiving and generally easier to use.

 

[wsmurdoch]

A freind of mine painted the upper outboard teak panels that the Portlights are built into a shiney white which seems to be the direction I believe some of the newer PSC's are going.

Have any of you experienced or developed opinions on the pros and cons of these changes to the interior?

The last PSC 34 price list I have (2005) lists "Teak interior cabin house sides $690.00". White is the cheap option.

It also has the line "Complete with the following featured equipment ...... Epifanes varnish interior woodwork finish". That is what the factory uses.

Irish Eyes had a varnished interior when I bought her in 2004. Since then I have re-varnished or stripped, bleached, and then re-varnished most of the interior. That was done to fix spots that were water stained, spots that were chipped, and spots where the sun had done a number on the varnish. I still have more to go.

In the Bahamas in June (or in the Carolinas for that matter), it is really really nice to put up the sun awnings then crawl below into your nice dark teak cave. Those in the north may not fully appreciate the pleasure of escaping the sun. I'm not sure anyone worried about the dark teak until the price soared, new boats came with white Formica interiors, and the boating press (which lives on advertising from new boat builders) had to speak well of their advertiser's wares.

Bill Murdoch
1988 PSC 34
Irish Eyes

 

[bljones]

Not a PSC but a good comparison of varnished versus unvarnished:

Unvarnished:

Varnished:

 

[IStream]

I varnished my interior before moving aboard with my family of five + dog. I used Minwax Wipe On Poly and I love it. It goes on easy (wipe on, wait a day, wipe on again, etc.), looks factory-finished, and wears well. Use the gloss until you've built up the film thickness you like. Starting with bare wood, I'd say you're looking at four or five coats. Then put a top coat of semi-gloss on if you prefer that finish.

 

[mcgray]

I chose to varnish the interior with Epiphanes rubbed effect. Did this after cleaning the existing finish and getting rid of condensation stains about the port lights. I am so glad I did. Now there is no worry about water stains. Just wipe dry in the AM after a night of heavy condensation. So glad I did this. Looks good too.

 

[BirdBrain333]

I also (re)varnished the interior on Kenlanu. Like others I am glad I did it but on the 1986 PSC 37 it is a BIG job I would never do again. Like other I used Epifanes but found the pure rubbed effect too matte for my taste. I talked with Epifanes North America a LOT who said I could mix regular and rubbed effect to get just the gloss/matte balance I liked. About 66% regular to 33% rubbed effect was just right. BUT the resulting brew was WAY more difficult to apply than regular Epifanes -- it either sagged or showed dry brush spots. Plus sanding between coats.... it was a bear of a job. I therefore love the idea of some of the wipe on products!

Jay
SV Kenlanu