Centerboard Coating

[daveboling]

I'm not having much luck with the search or advanced search, so I'm posting this question:
What would you use to protect a white oak centerboard? Oil, paint, red lead? Would heating the oak before coating make much difference in the penetration/holding ability of the coating? This is a very small centerboard (36" OAL), that can be pulled by removing the bolt it will pivot upon, so periodic inspection/maintenance is not an issue.

[michigangeorge]

I'm a big fan of red lead primer followed by two coats of your favorite anti-fouling bottom paint. I also saturate all white oak with boat soup before painting ( my soup varies depending on what I have on hand but usually includes linseed oil, anti-freeze and a bit of pine tar ) as I think it helps to minimize checking.