mahogany: oil or varnish?

[MarkR1234]

I'm fixing up a 1960 Rhoades 18 daysailer. I've dissassembled, stripped and sanded the mahogany slat seats. What would be the best treatment--an oil like that used on teak, or multiple coats of a good spar varnish? Or just leave it bare?

 

[JB]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

I have always oiled teak and varnished mahogany, Mark.<br /><br />I know why I don't varnish teak.. . too oily, but I don't know why mahogany is always varnished.<br /><br />Mahogany does rot pretty easily. Maybe that is why.

 

[ED21]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

I have always varnished the mahogony on my Mariner(a Rhodes 19 w/ a cabin). A good sanding & multiple coats will last for years w/ a little maintenance if the wood is protected w/ a cover when you are not using it. My boat has wood floor boards & I broadcast some clean sand on the next to last coat for skid resistance. It worked well, but I don't think I would do it to seats. Varnished mahogony always looks nice. It can be slick though.

 

[MarkR1234]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

OK-thanks JB and Ed-that settles it. Varnish it is.

 

[bayman]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

Definitely varnish Mahogany. No question about it. The question is what type of varnish. A varnish should last a few years at least on a properly cared for classic wooden boat. Sometimes you will run across a varnish that doesn't even last a year, so be careful with the varnish and make sure you follow the varnish manufacturer's instructions closely.<br /><br />- bayman

 

[MarkR1234]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

That's a good point. I was planning to use some Minwax Helmsman spar varnish which I have used before but not on a boat. It seems to be rated for the same purposes as any of the traditional marine varnishes such as Pettit.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

I would highly recommend Sikens Cetol.It does not look as perfect as varnish because it has some pigment to it but it is maintenance free and you only have to wipe it down to recoat it each year or two.It goes on like thinned varnish but it outlasts anything I have ever tried.They also make a clear topcoat. Charlie

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

You can stain it first if the woods discolored. I've used sealer after staining, and then varnish. Get some quality varnish at a marine store, for all the effort...... Good Luck

 

[Raghauler]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

No oil on mahogony! Another vote for Cetol. It's easy to work with and lasts at least a year before needing a maintenance coat.

 

[Columbia]

Re: mahogany: oil or varnish?

IMHO A very important feature to look for in your varnish is UV inhibitors. If you don't have this your varnish won't last. Stick with a marine type varnish like Captains', etc. if you decide to go with varnish. Also, some finishes are softer than others. This isn't so important on rails, cabin sides, etc, but if you sit on or walk on your surface get a 'hard' finish. The most common places for varnish to give up the ghost are seams and edges/corners. Be sure those areas are smooth and/or not sharp.