I am not a boat builder, I usually build furniture for indoor use, however, I'm building some pieces for outdoor use (personal use). I figure this group would know more about processing wood for outdoor use than anybody.

I recently built an outdoor bench using ipe and white oak. The ipe is 5/4 x 6 boards for deck building, was stickered/stored inside my climate controlled shop for about two weeks before processing; I've had the white oak for years.

The joinery involved pegged mortise and tenons for breadboard ends.

Everything was hand fitted, sanded smooth, and finished with Penofin Marine finish.

I've had it outside for a couple weeks now and have allowed it to receive rain, full sun, etc. Basically, I am abusing it to determine durability and identify issues; I've identified one so far.

The M&T joints are still tight but not even; the breadboard ends have swelled and are now proud of tenon boards meeting them.

Would I be better off to leave wood for exterior use protected and outside prior to processing, thus negating expansion issues?