Replacing flybridge stairs with teakwood

[Thelma Jean I]

Hello all,
I'm replacing the steps going up to my flybridge with teakwood any suggestions besides putting oil on it?
Should I reinforce with a steel plate?
Thanks in advance!!!!

[km1125]

Unless you're going with thin strip of teak, I doubt you'd have to reinforce it. Teak is some pretty strong wood. My steps both to the bridge and down to the swim platform were only 3" wide, but 1" thick and were plenty strong enough.

[g36]

Theres some different options out ther but when I had my Trojan F32 I had teak steps up to the flybridge I used cetol on them....https://defender.com/en_us/interlux-sik ... ood-finish

[Cooler]

Yep, the Sikkens product is the way to go. Comes in 3 shades. I did my steps 3 seasons ago and they still look original. Easy to do. Just pour some Teak Cleaner on the steps, let sit for 5 min. Rub with med brush and rinse with water. Do not use Cleaner/Brightener. Let dry. Apply 3 to 5 coats of Sikkens over 3 to 5 days. You will like the results. Teak oil did nothing for me. Looked nice for a couple of weeks, and then same old fade. After you brush on the Sikkens, do not apply any finish layer. Looks a little shinyer, but slippery when wet. I did four 3" steps, two 10" bottom steps, and the swim ladder with less than a quart of Sikkens. Good luck! er

[bud37]

The trick with those steps is to end up with a good look and not be slippery. If you are in a hurry while docking or an emergency in damp weather that is the last place you want slippery steps.

On one boat I finished the steps with varnish ( slippery when wet ), one with cetol ( slippery when wet ) that previously with had teak oil ( not quite so slippery when wet ). On ones done with Cetol and varnish I put a clear adhesive textured grip tape, like clear heavy grit sandpaper but from a distance the steps just looked good and the tape was not obvious.

Actually unfinished teak that has gone grey and weathered is still a slipping hazard in the right circumstances.

You should have no problem using teak wood in the right thickness imo.

[Cooler]

I just looked at the brochure for a 95 380 Santego. It shows white steps. Are yours brown teak? Agree with bud37 on slippery condition. That is why you do not want to finish with Sikkens Gloss. Thelma, if you want some before and after picks for the Sikkens product, PM me a phone number for receiving text. er