Semco experiences

[SKYCHENEY]

When I bought my boat it had varnish on the teak on the bow pulpit. That was a disaster since the PO varnished right over the caulk seams. I removed that and recaulked the whole thing and for years I have just oiled it. That's fine but it needs to be cleaned and reoiled every year.

I now have a teak table on my flybridge. When I bought it, the table was just coated with Semco Clear. I like the look and it got me thinking about using the Semco on the bow pulpit. So, what are your experiences with Semco on something like that?

I know, this discussion could go off the rails since everyone has a strong opinion on wood finishes. Heck, I think I've tried most of them, but I do like my varnished rails, nameboards, and aft doors. It works well there and looks great, but that's not the product for the pulpit which is more like a teak deck. Fire away!!

 

[SEVEN]

I used Semco on my swim step and it lasted for (5) years. It looked great but then started to peel due to multiple coats. I removed it and applied Tropical Teak Sealer from West Marine. It lasts for a few years but the nice thing about it is, when you see just a little gray it's time to add a coat. No prep other than making sure it's clean before applying the next coat.

 

[MikeP]

I went over to the darkside (Cetol) some years ago and I like it well enough. It is very durable and easy to "refresh." It is on my pulpit and handrails. But I won't argue with anybody who says it doesn't look nearly as nice as varnish...

 

[jrbrein]

I know, this discussion could go off the rails since everyone has a strong opinion on wood finishes. Heck, I think I've tried most of them, but I do like my varnished rails, nameboards, and aft doors. It works well there and looks great, but that's not the product for the pulpit which is more like a teak deck. Fire away!!

Sky,

You said it yourself, the pulpit is a teak deck. I have owned boats with teak decks and nothing will stay put on them without having a maintenance headache. I kept my teak decks gently cleaned and let them just go grayish in the sunlight. When wet, they are great non skid surfaces. That area of your boat is the last place you want to slip on!!!

My pulpit has no teak, but if it did, I would leave it alone. Let it accent the the things that are varnished already on your very lovely boat.

Just my humble opinion!

Jon

 

[Nightingale]

I have had very good luck with the Starbrite Tropical Teak Oil Sealer on teak decks. Two coats last about 6 moths in Florida direct sunlight. Simply wash the deck or pulpit and add another coat.

 

[captddis]

Nothing buy Semco for me.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I've used teak oil on this for the last 10 years. Although its been fine and I like the way it looks and the non-skid properties, I may still try the Semco. We'll see.

Thanks for the input.

 

[johnjen50]

Sky semco natural is a really nice color. Not fake looking or orange. It has the appearance of freshly sanded teak. Nice teak brown look. It really lasts too. I can't say enough about it. I didn't love the other shades but the natural is excellent.

 

[SEVEN]

Can you attach a photo? You have me interested now. I've only used the orange.

 

[johnjen50]

Don't have any pix now. I'll take a few next weekend when I am at the boat.

 

[SEVEN]

Don't have any pix now. I'll take a few next weekend when I am at the boat.

Appreciate it. Thanks

 

[Walter P]

I had a teak swim platform on my first 43DC years ago and I tried many oil finishes being careful not to apply anything that would compromise the natural non skid properties of natural teak. My preference based on my experience would be natural Semco.

Walt

 

[bobk]

I had Semco on all the teak on the trawler. It wass one of the lighter colors and I was very happy with it. The 48MY came with Cetol on everything and it is really holding up well. It is on the pulpit and there are no issues with peeling on the caulk..No problem with slipperyness.

Bobk

 

[TopHattandTails]

Sky,
I've used Semco Natural on teak cockpits for years. I've used it in Ohio and FL. Lasts longer in OH for obvious reasons. 3 coats in the spring and 3 coats in August (before you head North) makes it look great. If you use a darker color than Natural, it will last longer. Semco is a top coat, not a penetrating oil. So it scrubs off with a bristle brush and weekly washings. I like the fact it wears off - no build up, no varnish break down, but it does need to be reapplied to look awesome. My process on teak is cascade dishwasher soap and sudsy ammonia for monthly washings, maybe part 1 and 2 acid/ neutralizer if it's gotten "angry" looking, then Semco treatment. Keep it covered when your off the boat and the twice a season treatment will be great. Promise.