Teak Decks vs Gelcoat Non-Skid ?

[Jon Hacking]

We have the opportunity to replace Ocelot’s teak decks with either new teak or gelcoat non-skid. The price is much the same here in Thailand.

We’re tropics cruisers, so we find our teak decks hot – often too hot to stand on. Gelcoat would also be lighter & easier to maintain. One downside is resale value. Ocelot’s 16 years old & we don’t intend to sell her soon, but we probably will one day. Being a Wauquiez, her market is probably more European & they seem to love teak. But will it be missed on a catamaran?


Thoughts?? Thanks in Advance!

[James S]

Thats a tough one.....I think if the teak is uncomfortable and you have no plans of selling any time soon...go with what will enhance the quality of your experience.

I love my teak decks, but I never go with out shoes of some sort (I tend to stub my toes a lot if I don't).
If you do replace with teak, whats the possibility of having it glued down instead of screwed?

[Jon Hacking]

Thanks James. All teak decks these days are only glued down with Sikaflex - nobody is using screws anymore (that I know of). Which also means that new teak should last longer (although teak today is usually younger & softer). But living in the tropics with varnished cabin soles means that we never wear shoes onboard.

[biltong]

Hi. I have an Amel Sharki, and like all Amels, the decks are gel coat look alike teak and these yachts have a high resale value. Not saying you should do the same, but if I don't have to do another teak deck, especially at the price of decent teak, it won't be too soon. The time I could have spent maintaining the teak deck, I now spend enjoying the free time. (to do other maintenance, lol).

[boatman61]

If the glass decks are done well I doubt the lack of teak will influence a serious buyers decision... even if he's European...
A good boats a good boat...
and they can always add the teak later if they wish...
Go for the glass... put the savings in your maintainance kitty...

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Jon Hacking

We have the opportunity to replace Ocelot’s teak decks with either new teak or gelcoat non-skid. The price is much the same here in Thailand.

We’re tropics cruisers, so we find our teak decks hot – often too hot to stand on. Gelcoat would also be lighter & easier to maintain. One downside is resale value. Ocelot’s 16 years old & we don’t intend to sell her soon, but we probably will one day. Being a Wauquiez, her market is probably more European & they seem to love teak. But will it be missed on a catamaran?

I love the look of teak on boats, and yours is no exception. Very nice boat... however, living in the tropics myself, I would never consider a boat with lots of teak both for the reason you mentioned and the maintenance required of those lovely decks. The tropical sun is a bit tough on wood finishes.

You should do what's best for you, and no, I don't believe the lack of teak decks would affect resale value on a catamaran. Especially if were eventually listed with a broker residing in the Tropics.

[SailFastTri]

Anything you do to make a multihull lighter is an improvement. Most of the time people pay a huge premium to lighten a boat (C-F and cored-panel components etc.) so if it costs about the same or less and the maintenance and weight is lower -- what is there to think about? Consider it an upgrade.

[Seahunter]

As long as the teak decking isn't structural, I'd go with the Gelcoat.

[James S]

I'm a bit confused...whats all the talk about the maintenance of a teak deck...a bucket of sea water every couple days and what else?
After 30 years I did quite a bit of work on mine during a major refit...but if it wasent for that....resetting some screws and replugging would have been about it?

[Seahunter]

Originally Posted by James S

After 30 years I did quite a bit of work on mine during a major refit...but if it wasent for that....resetting some screws and replugging would have been about it?

How many of your replaced screws had rust on their tips?

[James S]

I damn sure had some wet places in the core...probably a couple square meters if all added up, but thats after 30+ years.
If a new deck is glued down as stated...wheres the maintenance?

[Amapola]

Teak decks are hot. We removed the teak from our deck on the advice of a broker who said it would increase sales value which it did.

[zeehag]

teak is the best, and natural, non skid . i wish my boat still had them.

[biltong]

After 28 years my gel-coat 'teak' decks are still good and have not needed any attention at all. No denying that teak decks can look beautiful, if well laid and well looked after. 30 years ago almost all teak decks were laid with screws and plugged.

[captainKJ]

I would go with the gel coat. you ca always sand it down and put down teak later when you want to sell it. As much as I love teak I do not want the hassle of it. Every teak deck o a boat that I have worked on has always leaks wether glued or screwed down.