Which timber to use?

[mm5aho]

I intend making a new instrument console this winter - to house depth, speed and GPS instruments. I want to make it in a sort of bridge sitting above the companionway sliding hatch in its open position. i.e. sliding hatch slides under instrument cluster, which would be fixed to the cabin roof either side of the hatch.
The whole of this is normally (in summer) sitting under a spray hood.

Any suggestions on which timber might be best?
Teak? Douglas Fir? Greenheart? Cedar? Oak? Ash? Maple? others?

Am I best aiming for a timber that needs varnishing or for something that is maintenance free due to its nature (like teak)?

[wully]

I'm by no means an expert but I'd avoid teak or real wood.

If it was me I'd get some veneered marine ply and varnish it. A lot.

It'll be easier to clean/ maintain in the long run

[Storyline]

Have been thinking about this myself as I am going to make one in the spring. So far I have been leaning towards solid sapele as it is easy(er) to rout the joints whereas with ply there is the problem of the end grain. Made a small box for our engine dials on our last boat which was out of the direct weather and I used MDF which I soaked in epoxy. This is also easy to work and it lasted better than I thought it would. Do not suggest you do the same unless it is well protected.

Suppose if you want the wood effect with a varnished grain you could use sapele (or other) faced ply.

Also the choice of wood also depends on the construction. The way I am thinking is an open fronted box with the front panel recessed. This is why I think I am going for solid hardwood so I can rout out an L shaped section for the front to sit in.
(sorry if this does not make much sense - still only on first cup of coffee !).

[mm5aho]

I'm toying with several ideas for this enclosure.
I want three instruments in the cluster. There's a purpose made box from NASA suitable for the Clipper series of instruments, but it only comes suitable for two.
I think the plastic box idea not bad, and its possible to make one using a plastic welder but its till needs to be supported.
I wondered about making a stainless tubing handrail, with flanged ends to bolt to the roof top, and mount such a box on that, along its length. More work perhaps than a timber one, but might look nicer?
I'm not that keen on plywood, though I do have to get some anyway for a new stern locker lid. I do like working in teak, and made a new engine control console last winter that has lasted OK and looks good for many years to come.
I'm thinking of raised surface mounted instruments. That way I only need a box, and with holes cut in the side facing the cockpit, the instruments will fit in and sun covers can be fitted later.

References

Plastic welder
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunwin-Plastic- ... elding+gun)

NASA Clipper pod
http://www.nasamarine.com/proddetail.ph ... LIPPER_POD