I have two boats and two experiences. I have a Tartan 37 that the factory started out (1982) with Watco oil on the teak. I continued that and regret it. The problem over the 30 years I have owned the boat is that the oil darkens substantially over time--to very dark brown now. I have been involved in a multi-year effort to remove the old oil and try to restore some of the gold the teak originally had, and it is an unbelievable job I may not live long enough to complete the boat--requires varnish removers and scrapers, 3M pads and lots of patience.. I am following the directions for Captain's Satin varnish and the parts I have redone look very good. On my 32-200 Ericson (which I acquired just a year ago, I was pleased to find that that factory had put a light coat of actual varnish on all the wood and the PO had done nothing to it over the years. Some places where the wood had been discolored by leaks cleaned up nicely with a light sanding and I have done the cabin in a satin and the floor in gloss as Christian has done. It is great looking and it was easier to complete than doing a tiny part of cleaning up the gooey mess the oil made on the Tartan. Perhaps my experience with oiled teak had something to do with the specific products I used (I used lemon oil, teak oils, and Watco at various times) that made some a dark goo that clogs sandpaper and defies chemicals and maybe others will have different experiences. If I had it to do over again, I would never use oil anywhere on wood that is in a marine environment--seems like it traps moisture and maybe mold. Might be easier in the short run than varnish, but certainly not in the long run if you value the brightness of teak.
