Pleasant Surprise - mahogany under mud

[gimmellsmom]

I decided yesterday to fix the sieve that is our fore-hatch (is that even the right name for it?). So I applied a stripper to the muddy brown varnish and when I scraped it off - much to my surprise it was a beautiful red mahogany.

Now what to do with it - I have to fill the seams, as they are no longer tight. They were filled with tons of brown goop.

I also have to figure out how to stain/varnish it - I wasn't expecting this so just assumed I'd put a few coats of varnish on and finish it up in the next weeks on the water... but I've developed a serious case of varnish-envy (yes, I'm looking at you Jay) and want to do this right - but am somewhat faced with time issues. We launch on Saturday and have to put it back on the boat (we've had break in on the boats when at dock).

My real question is what to fill the seams with - I have white seam compound (thanks Norm!) can it be coloured? If yes, how... or could I simply paint gold pin striping under the varnish?

[Tom Robb]

Pix?
Seams where tight joints ought to be? Filling them wouldn't be a good thing.

[gimmellsmom]

Photos don't show up the colour that well but here it is:

The horizontal seams is where the leaks are coming in (they were previously filled with something) The same goop was also used all around the inside corners - liberally. The underside was much darker than the top, our interior brightwork is stained/painted with a very dark. I am assuming its mahogany - I've not checked it against any wood db - but its quite rich & deep red.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3484016286_ab14b3e17d.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3484016082_223281a7bb.jpg?v=0

[John B]

It looks more of a teak or teak alternative/variety grain to me. aforomosia( sic) or some such.

[Tom Robb]

Gooping up the cracks would get you back on the water I suppose, but perhaps rebuilding it ought to be looked into.

[gimmellsmom]

Rebuilding is an idea - but would you ever get a watertight seal without some sort of seam filler? This wood - correct me if I'm wrong - wouldn't swell, would it (not being exposed to anything but rainwater)?
How would you end up with a watertight seal... or am I missing something?

What I should have done was make it a little cover out of top gun or like and be done with it.

[Tom Robb]

The panel will swell and shrink with the changing humidity just like the doors or the strip flooring in your house. Quarter sawn planks would minimize but not totally eliminate that.