I replaced the hatchboards on my last boat with Starboard. This material machines like wood and only needs an ocasional washing. This may not be the look you want but it is maintenance free.
I converted a S2 8.6 to wheel steering. This boat did have a T shaped cockpit. I used an Edson pedestal with pull-pull cables housed in a jacket. The installation was simple. Was it worth the expense? Probably not. I also had one of the few if not only C&C Redwing 30's with a wheel. This was...