Routine teak maintenance
On a well-run yacht, teak is cleaned before dirt builds up. Learn the kit, follow the routine aboard and finish to the standard that yacht expects.
Before you start
Finish, frequency and brush direction vary between yachts. Follow the standard set aboard and the instructions on the products you use.
Video coming soon
Routine teak demonstration
The equipment, product sequence, brush work and the finished deck.
The lesson
A normal deck job, done properly
This does not need a competency record or uploaded proof. The learner needs to recognise the correct equipment, watch the established routine and understand that finish, frequency and brush direction vary between yachts.
The standard is set aboard
Some yachts maintain a bright golden or yellow finish and clean before the deck weathers grey. Others accept a more natural grey. Neither preference should be presented as a fleet-wide rule.
Before the video starts
Bring the complete kit
This is the base setup. The yacht's product instructions and onboard assessment may add specific equipment.
Matched Part 1 and Part 2
The two approved products from the same named teak system, with their current instructions. The lesson must identify that system before teaching its sequence.
Pole and pad holder
The deck pole and holder used aboard, checked before the pad is fitted.
Orbital deck machine
Included where the vessel uses one, with the approved pad and operating method for that deck.
Brown doodle pad
Fitted to the pole for the open deck, then used by hand for seams and edges where closer control is needed.
Kneepads
Used for hand-working the doodle pad along seams and edges without the pole.
Brightener brushes
Dedicated brushes used only where the selected system assigns them to its second stage. Do not assume every Part 2 has the same chemistry or rinse order.
Buckets and measure
Clean buckets plus the measuring jug or dispenser required by the product instructions.
Fresh-water hose
A hose with a controlled nozzle and enough reach to rinse the whole working area.
Waterproof gloves and PPE
Waterproof, chemical-appropriate gloves plus the eye protection, footwear and clothing required aboard.
Area-control kit
Signs or barriers, plus the protection normally used for paint, stainless and nearby fittings.
Soap and wash mitts
Vessel-approved soap and clean mitts kept ready to remove teak-product runoff from adjacent paint using the onboard response method.
What to film
Four useful moments
No staged defect sequence. No observer handover. Just the complete routine from kit to finished deck.
- 01
Lay out the kit
Show Part 1, Part 2, the pole, brown doodle pad, kneepads, brightener brushes, waterproof gloves and the rest of the kit before wetting the deck.
- 02
Follow the named first stage
Show the selected system's dilution, starting-surface condition, contact cue and approved tool. Use the doodle pad or orbital machine only where the vessel method permits it, then hand-work seams and edges on kneepads.
- 03
Make the specified transition
Move to the second stage exactly as that named system instructs. Some systems require a thorough intermediate rinse and others do not. Keep runoff off paint and remove any tool marks before continuing.
- 04
Rinse and finish
Show complete rinsing, a tidy work area and the bright, golden or natural finish expected. If the yacht seals its teak, explain that as a separate dry-deck stage.
Control the working condition throughout
Keep the section within the selected system's stated wet-work or contact-time conditions. If that system requires a wet deck, do not let it dry during machine work, edge work or the transition between stages.
Failure mode: If the product dries contrary to its instructions, residue, swirl marks or doodle-pad marks can become harder to remove and the chemical sequence may no longer be controlled.
Wash the paint immediately
Keep the approved soap, clean wash mitts and fresh water ready. If teak-product runoff reaches adjacent paint, use the vessel's immediate wash-off method rather than letting it sit or dry.
Failure mode: If chemical residue dries on the paint, it can stain or become much harder to remove without marking the finish.
Technical note
Do not teach the bottle chemistry by nickname
Crew often refer to Part 1 as “the acid”. That is not reliable. In the systems audited for OnDeck, Part 1 was commonly the alkaline cleaner and Part 2 the acidic brightener or neutraliser. Products differ, so teach the matched sequence and the current instructions on the bottles actually used aboard.
This lesson does not prescribe an intermediate rinse, chemistry or contact time. Those come from the named system used aboard.
Optional follow-on
Some yachts seal the teak
Sealing is not part of every clean. If it is part of the vessel's maintenance programme, treat it as a separate stage after the teak meets the selected product's preparation conditions.
SEMCO Teak Sealer
Used by some vessels to maintain the chosen colour and protect the prepared teak. Follow the SEMCO system for surface preparation, coats and drying.
DiTEC Triton
Used by some vessels as a teak protectant. It is often called a sealant aboard, while DiTEC describes Triton as a protectant and alternative to oils or sealers.
Quick check
Four questions, then move on
This checks the essentials. It does not create an account record or claim practical competence.