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The trick to whatever you decide to do, oil or varnish, is to minimize UV exposure. Yes, whatever came from the factory would be the 'purist' decision to make. However, for whatever the reasons we all have our preferences. This is an age old debate.

I keep a Mills mooring cover on the boat when it is at the mooring here in RI. I spent hours cleaning, sanding and oiling my teak - back to what some friends remarked - original appearance. After four months on the water, and never putting on another coat of oil on the wood, the wood looks almost as good as when I launched the boat Memorial Day weekend.

If you are trailering and you aren't able to garage the boat make sure the boat is covered when not in use.