Thanks guys. The timber is oiled... and received a little bit of cracking on the trip down from Brisbane (when I moved).. so I know dry wood is a very bad thing

Problem is the boat is kept out in the burbs, too far from the bay, so sailing means adding another 2 hours in travel to your day.... and all the clubs are full up with waiting lists for space.... might sell my pride and joy and get a fibreglass cat... something that doesn't mind the sun so much.....