Laying Teak Planking to the Cockpit Sole

I have previously alluded to my intention to finish the decks in teak planking, to maintain continuity throughout, I have applied the same treatment to the cockpit sole.  Firstly, to stiffen and make water tight, I sheathed the whole area in 300 gsm woven cloth saturated through with epoxy. The teak planking I purchased some months ago is supplied from stock at 45mm wide. To maintain full width boards across the width of the cockpit, I fitted hardwood skirting’s down the sides, machined at the appropriate thickness to achieve perfect spacing. I cut a taper at the aft end to prevent interference with the drainage holes. 

I cut and dry laid the teak to the whole area using 5mm plastic tile spacers, to provide accurate spacing for the caulking, before gluing down in a bed of epoxy. It was very difficult working both within a confined space and down in the well, all had to be done by kneeling on the locker covers and reaching down, not the best position to be working in. To minimise cleaning up, I decided to apply masking tape to the surface of the teak then all joints were primed with Sika DC caulking primer before being filled with Sika 290DC PRO Deck Caulking. I pulled off the masking tape as the Caulking began to skin up which proved to be a tricky job but saved a lot of mess on the surface. I left it for a couple of weeks before sanding off to finish. On the whole this was a difficult and time consuming job but I think well worth it, producing a great looking, practical and hard wearing surface. I also made the centre board cap from teak which was dry fixed by bronze screws; the joints were left un-caulked to allow for removal before the fitting of the centre board, this I plan to do after the boat has been taken outside during the final fitting stages.

The teak planks dry fitted and set out with plastic tile spacers. Note the taper cut into the aft of the skirting’s to allow unobstructed drainage to the engine well.

Sanded and finished.

I have also taken delivery of the fittings, some of which were purpose made. I agonised for months about whether to use bronze or polished stainless steel. Eventually I made the decision to use bronze which I believe to be correct, I think the hardware looks stunning and will be even better when fitted to the boat. Note that the Tabernacle is manufactured in stainless steel as specified by the architect; the only other specified alternative material for this item was galvanised steel.

Other work commitments continue to frustrate the build, therefore progress has been sporadic. Any available free time has been dedicated to the project achieving some limited progress, including work manufacturing and fitting rubbing strips, the cabin roof and coamings etc. all of which will be the subject of my next post.