Robbin, I have varnish on the hatch ribs (too much work in Arizona or Southern climes). But they are laminated white oak - really pretty - but lotsa work! For the handrails : I use real 100% Tung oil (hard to find - I get it at Woodworkers Source $22.00/qt) _http://www.woodworkerssource.net/_ (http://www.woodworkerssource.net/) - Old Masters # 90004 Sand wood - do not use high pressure spray (car wash) on teak to brighten it up, it removes the heart wood. Sand smooth,oil, let dry, I use 0000 Steel wool between coats maybe 5 or 6 coats, this lasts about 6 mos. in the Arizona sun. If you are farther North or cover the boat it should last a long time. Make sure the oil is 100% Tung oil - not Tung oil varnish or Tung oil finish. Big difference in durability. A quart should do a 15 or 17 for 5 years or so. I have replaced the railwood and hatch slide wood with "Starboard" UHDPE(?) or something like that. Best thing I ever did to the exterior of my boat- little bit of work with a router but not rocket surgery. No funky lookin' bolted on wood to sand and re-oil ALL the time - except those handrails. Good luck, Take Care, Have Fun Gary O. M-17 #316a
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