I’m really not a big fan of tropical hardwoods on boats. Fact is, I actually prefer plain old pressure-treated pine which in some quarters is called Miami Teak. It is not called that as a sign of respect but a put down.
Me? I’m happy to use whatever species of wood that works and I can afford. The Islander has bits of teak here and there all of which are way past their sell by date and rotten to the core. I’m actually looking forward to the day when, chisel and mallet in hand, I can get the pretentious detritus off the boat and into a dumpster.
The interior has a teak sole which I’d love to remove but, as it’s functional and only needs a serious sanding and oiling, it will remain. Still, I’d much prefer a fiberglass sole and I’m pretty sure that sooner or later all that teak flooring will get ripped out and hopefully recycled in some positive way or other.
Part of my aversion to teak and other decorative woods is that I’ve always hated the fact that somewhere someone decided that the interior of pleasure boats should resemble a Victorian club or mansion. That lot of folks still continue to think that way, some 122 post-Victorian era years later, is something of a conundrum. While I’ll admit to the appeal of some steampunk influences in things nautical, I’m still pretty much based in the current century.
But, yeah, we were talking about wood on boats and I have a lot of strong opinions on the subject. On the other hand, I have very little interest or strong feeling about what sort of wood makes sense on a yacht and there lies the difference…
A VolksCruiser is not a yacht in any way, shape or form.
I too have used pressure treated pine in non critical applications. ok ish, but there can be problems later. As – Always very light , quick grown timber so lacking strength. Also the pressure treatment tends to fill the wood pores ( as it’s supposed to do) but this also inhibits the glue from penetrating, so low grip. Fine for cabin soles etc. but less fine maybe for something the ship depends on for any serious function.
Just my experience.
The reality is that since most all VolksCruisers are classic plastic is any wood used in refitting is going to be in non-critical or cosmetic applications. Given that design brief pressure treated works just fine.
On the other hand I have used pressure treated pine to build booms, rudders, and other high stressed parts and never had an issue with glue adhesion, delamination or strength. Epoxy used correctly, a reasonable laminate schedule, and sheathing with glass or xynole protected with paint provides a pretty bombproof construction.