Usually when I use high oil content woods like cocobolo, etc. for reel seats, I usually just polish them. Is it asking for trouble to finish these woods with something like Permagloss?

It will never set up. It will just stay oily/sticky. I've tried it.

John, Try Dalys SeaFin Teak Oil Product #15040. It is a marine oil finish, specialy formulated for oily woods. Follow the directions carefully. I will often apply as many as 8 or 10 coats, but it is so EASY !..... I have been using this product for over 20 years for all kinds of exterior applications (including reel seats and handles), I love the stuff, it has never let me down. Struble has milled a bunch of tropical woods for me : Mango, Koa, Albasia,Vera.... these are all really oily, and the SeaFin has been the ticket I have a few other pointers,mail me if you wish................. B.M.

Ditto on the Permagloss, Tru-Oil, etc. You can take thin Super Glue and paint on the insert, allowing it to dry, then scuff sand before applying an additional coat. When satisfied that you have enough of a finish, sand again with 400 and water, then buff. It will look much as does an acrylic impregnated insert.

John
not only are you asking for trouble, you are on the verge of utter catastrophe. The Urethanes as a family simply do not tolerate oily surfaces. Permagloss is a top of the line urethane -- moisture cureing-- and its tolerance for oily surfaces is nil. Do not use Permagloss or any urethane on the high oil content woods. I agree with Bob Meiser all the way in the usage of Daly's Sea Fin. I've used it on reel seats, and on gun stocks. It is a good product for teak or any high oil content wood. Personally I use a proprietary product developed for Dem Bart, a gunstock tool outlet, and in which they distribute to the gunstock market. I like it better than Daly's because of the high tung oil content. There are lots of products of a similar nature out there. The Marine supply stores all have a dirth of finishes aimed at Teak decks on yachts. These are good for what you want, but Daly's Sea Fin really beats them all. If you use Sea Fin on a non-oily wood like Walnut or maple, it looks nice for a while but will not wear very well.
Ralph

Thanks Bob and Ralph.

You know I am from Missouri (the "show-me" state). Well, turns out I did some testing on some scrap cocobolo pieces I had laying around. I used on ecoat of Permagloss on several, two coats on several more and three coats on several more. I will report back after I abuse these a while.