Teak, Teak Everywhere

They say that if you have a lot of exterior teak the best strategy is just to get used to gray.  That's all well and good for the teak decking, but I really want something more exciting for the cockpit table, and all the interior bright work.  Here's the table in place:


And here it is disassembled: 

I'll post the after pictures after we have the third coat of Cetol on.




Shade is also a priority, since Hobo came without dodger or bimini.  We found a nearby steel distributor called East Coast Steel and were able to get 20 foot lengths of mostly polished (up to 180 grit only) tubing for 54.99 each, so the total for the whole build including stainless tubing, hardware, zippers, and the sunbrella for the top was less than 400.00.  I can't say it came out perfectly but it makes shade!

First step was to bend the tubing. Then we put it in place and tied it into position. 

Then I sewed up a top and a boot. Everything, somehow, was six inches off. I think the top of the Bimini frame is six inches wider than the bottom. Miraculously it all fits. I had to had additional width to the boot. It isn't what you'd call beautiful. 

Finally, I'm hoping to take out the center "captain's chair" this winter. It has pretty sharp edges and is surprisingly annoying when you are trying to get on board using the boarding ladder.  I would like to replace it with two small curved seats on the stern rail on either side.  I don't think any alteration to the stern rail will be required, we just have to decide on a material.  The obvious choice would be . . . teak.  But it's awfully expensive these days.  Might have to throw some mahogany into the mix.