wood on coaming tops, bad idea? how install?

[Boulter]

Hi:

I have an Ontario 32 that came with teak on the coaming tops. I had some rotten core in the coaming top, and the top glass looks really crappy. There is also a bit of rot in the wood on the bottom.

I just can't see how wood on the coamings isn't going to be a nightmare long term and am inclined to leave them off. For example, If one wanted to change or add something that needed through hardware, then to get at the core to pot it with epoxy properly it seems to me that I would have to take the wood off, which would entail taking winches, cleats etc off first. Then there is the whole issue of water between the fiberglass and coaming wood, likely an existing issue given the silicone found in places.

So short questions:

Would folks generally agree that I should leave them off if I wish to optimize for minimum work over better cosmetics?

If I did wish to remount them, what would the correct techniques be for keeping water out of where it needs to be kept out of, both for right now and any future modifications/additions to the hardware?

Thanks

Boulter