Teak Deck Care in Fresh Water?

[mliemon2]

We have a new boat to us (08’ GB EU 47), and its my first time having a boat with teak decks. A few pieces of info

- It’s been kept in a boathouse all its life (and will continue to be)
- It was kept in saltwater before we bought it and brought it to Portland.
- I plan on letting them go gray, and just scrubbing with a doodle pad across the grain.


Almost everybody on every forum says to use saltwater to clean to keep mildew from growing, and the salt will keep the teak from cracking. I’m in fresh water…. Any advice? I’ve used TDS Eco 100 once, but I’m more concerned about the teak shrinking and cracking. How’ likely is this? Should I be wetting the deck regularly (I’m not really)?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Inbreaker]

If you're using the TDS cleaner anyway, you might try their sealer. Two coats only. If you decide you don't like it, it'll scrub off with the cleaner. And you might decide you like it, particularly with a boat house...

 

[FF]

"and the salt will keep the teak from cracking. I’m in fresh water…"

The salt helps keep the deck wet , which helps the longevity.

Lots of fresh waterworks as well.

In old times boats were salted below to keep the wood too wet to rot , during lay days.

 

[Tellulah]

I’ve been told to use lemons to clean teak decks. Anyone tried this.