Our entire boat inside and out is done in Narra. It grows in the Phillipines
where our boat was built. Very much like teak and costs about 1/3 as
much. Very atractive and weathers as well as teak.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Joe Bleau" wrote in message
...
Teak has become so hard to find and so outrageously expensive when it
is found that I am wondering if there are not other woods that could
be used for exterior marine purposes.

For example, jatoba (sometimes called Brazilian cherry), or some of
the lighter shades of ipe. Any boat people out there found a
substitute. I can get ipe for five bucks a bd. ft. and just a little
more for jatoba.

I hear that ipe is quite toxic but with all the house decks and docks
being built out of it someone must have found a way of getting around
the toxicity. One could always use a respirator for sanding and
sawing.

Any thoughts or experience appreciated.

Joe