snip>> Bob Smith and Gail have had good results with SEMCO for their decks, but I don't think anyone would recommend it for bright work (all the rails and trim, etc). I have used both Semco AND Cetol on bright work so here FWIW are my observations. The Semco on my trawler was on hand and toe rails as well as all the window frames and other trim including a mahogony sampson post. It's not bright, but looks like wood. Very easy to maintain so long as you do not let it get away. In my case, in Baltimore the first 15 years, then Baltimore/Florida for five years, I did nothing more than wash and recoat once or twice a year. It got lots of compliments. VERY easy. The Hatteras had Cetol clear on the exposed handrails when I bought her in 2006, and I have continued to apply one or two coats twice a year since. I figure it is 8+ years since they were wooded down. Cetol is 'bright' compared to Semco and looks much more like varnish. My other wood work including the aft deck rails which I wooded in 2006 to remove worn, neglected varnish, were 'primed' with two coats of Cetol Marine Light followed by 3-4 coats of Cetol Clear. These areas only get a coat once every 1-2 years and still look great. I would have no concerns about using Semco on anything because it is so easy, In fact when I bought the Hatteras I briefly considered making the change, but took the easy way out. But I will admit now I do prefer the brighter look of Cetol on the trim. To each his own. Cheers, Bob Chateau de Mer 1981 Hatteras 48MY