After many years of intensive use and exposure to the elements, the teak deck of this wood-epoxy Koopmans 40 is due for replacement. The owner has chosen a cork deck as an alternative to teak wood. We are happy to share the process with you and the benefits of a cork deck.
Process
After the boat enters our shipyard, we first start with the preparatory work. This consists of labeling and dismantling the fittings and masking off parts that should not be damaged.
Then the real work can begin: removing the teak deck. For this, sections are sawed, and then the teak wood parts are removed with a chisel and hammer drill. We sand away the last residues to assess the bare wood-epoxy construction for any parts that need renewal.
Construction
Once the deck foundation has been updated, we can start the construction. The entire surface is re-conserved with epoxy and fiberglass mats and fully smoothed out to create a nice, even deck.
Next, the new cork deck can be measured. This is done with a laser technique that reads the new deck placement to the millimeter. This results in a complete project plan with a deck layout where the cork deck can be CNC milled with precision. This not only works faster but also ensures a neat final result without material waste.
Benefits of a Cork Deck
The choice of material for deck coverings is becoming more diverse. A cork deck is a growing favorite for many. Here are the key benefits of a cork deck:
- It is a very good insulating material
- It does not heat up much in the sun
- It provides good grip compared to many other teak wood alternatives
In short, it is a very suitable deck material for sailing in a warm climate. Contact us for more information about what material would be best for your yacht.
