Teak Substitutes

Michael, i think you hit the nail on the head with the marketing thing. I think synthetics are being used for more than just layed decks, like cap rails etc though i have no experience with them,for me though whatever i use must A/ perform its task at least as good as teak B/ Be reasonably priced, by this i mean substantially less than Teak, not just a little, shipping included. C/ Be readily available in my state. I acknowlege that different woods or materials will be more suitable for builders in other areas.
Steve.

 

Well, I am sorry to have used the term bias. It was not appropriate in this case.
But when we count all the properties* of the suitable timber, we have to agree that Teak is hard to beat. *These include of course, the "value" a customer sees in the particular material.
I share your concerns about the abuse most teak decking sees by overly keen owners. The regular brushing with the grain is idiotic, but done by nearly all of them. If they would service the deck as a pro does (nearly not), they would have the same lifespan out of it as the "Queen Mary" decks have until today!

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a valid alternative for the applications you have in mind. It weathers nice and does not need more attention than Teak. It lasts longer than oak and must not be waxed, oiled or varnished, though some treatment gives a longer lifespan of course.

Regards
Richard

Stay away from that ****. I replaced a 6 month´s old synth. deck on a newbuilt just a few weeks ago, by Teak.

 

There are several very nice synthetic alternatives to teak. It is just that the problem starts when it has to LOOK like teak...

 

Yah, I agree Herman. I recently saw a Netherlands built small WALLY style motorboat with plastic cockpit decking. It looked great. The reason It looked so good was that it did not try to be TEAK. It was a different sandy colour with no imitation wood grain. I spoke with the yachts owner and he loves it. Cool on the feet, reasonable traction, easy cleaning and after two years it didn't look to badly effected by UV. Unfortunately I didn't ask the products name

 

Was it this boat?

http://www.vandutchmarine.com

 

Thats the one ! very elegant.

 

I believe the decking is Estec.

 

Estec. I think Ill buy some !! I have a treadmaster covered, highly visible aftpeake deck exposed when the transom is open. Treadmaster is a monster to clean .

Hey, if you run into those VanDutch guys, compliment them on their design and while you are at it , ask them why they stuck a half dozen plastic, above waterline thruhull fittings thru her beautiful topsides ???? Makes it look like it was built by Bavaria.
They need some kind of single waterbox style streamlined exit on that beautiful hull.

 

Do you have a website address for ESTEC ?

 

My bad, it is ESTHEC

www.esthec.nl
www.bolidt.nl

Oh, I will bring over your compliments and remarks.

 

Thanks !