Following a moment of madness, I decided to replace the GRP cover to the anchor locker with a timber cover. The previous owner had fitted a windlass, which reduced the size of the locker, so the new design has a frame, which fits into the cover-hole, and a lid. The frame is complete, see photo below, and the cover has just begun. It has been challenging because, being a boat, nothing is straight and nothing is at right angles - for instance, I'm putting a camber on the lid.

Anyhow, the frame is made from a $45 recycled plank of Merbau (brown) from the used timber shop and the trim is Meranti (light tan) from the Big Green Hardware Shop down the road (maybe $30 total). I would have liked to tried teak, but couldn't find any, and didn't want to pay for some nice, shiny new timber when there is a good chance I can stuff it up grandly.

The photo shows the current project with a little Linseed oil applied to bring out the colours. It would be a waste to paint it, and I don't expect external varnish to last long on the Merbau.

So, my question is what oil or treatment do you recommend? It will get a beating from sun and sea on the bow.