replacing the stern deck -advice needed

[Andydent2000]

At some time in the past a previous owner has layed a plastic deck over the top of the existing teak one, but leaving a strip of teak around the saloon door entrance which has several splits where it has been lifted and relayed. the entire deck is grubby despite scrubbing and looks awful.

It leaks. I have tried to stop it but have come to the conclusion that the only permanent fix is to start again.

I talked to a number of firms at the boat show and one in particular seemed to talk a lot of sense. They advised removing the teak deck, replacing any marine ply underneath (there does not appear to be a grp shell) effected and then applying an epoxy bond in several layers before laying a synthetic deck.

I invited them to come for a closer look - in fact they have just left after showing me how a light sanding could get my existing deck looking like new! (shame it leaks really)

They have gone away to sharpen their pencil and provide a formal quote. has anyone had experience of using them? The firm in question is Permadeck.

Can anyone recommend other companies (local to the Hamble) for comparison?

Here's a photo of the deck. your help is as always much appreciated and the beer on board is cold for anyone wanting a nosey.

 

[Andydent2000]

Anyone?

 

[rafiki_]

I'm up for the cold beer, but can't really be of assistance I'm afraid.

I will be sanding Rafiki's teak this winter in prep for the next season, and no knowledge of your request, but I hope this answer will get the post back up the hit list.

 

[Nick_H]

You say you can't fix the leaks, but have you asked Permadeck whether they could fix them? Maybe they have a special technique for doing so, or maybe just more experience and knowledge of how to fix them.

Assuming the leaks can't be fixed, then replacing the deck does seem the only option, and Permadeck's proposal seems to make sense (except i'd always fit real teak, but that's personal choice). If the deck is constructed from marine ply now, then replacing with marine ply is the obvious answer, as it will be big bucks to get a GRP fabricator to make a new deck, and waterproofing with epoxy seems a reasonable solution. My only concern would be movement in the ply deck causing cracks in the epoxy, so you could consider having the marine ply glassed over instead.

I don't know Permadeck so can't comment on them, but if you wanted an alternative view on fixing it, you could speak to Osmotech at Hamble Point, who I can recommend having used them in the past.

 

[henryf]

Could I suggest you start a new thread entitled "Permadeck - any experience of them?

Your request is a bit hidden inside this thread.

Good luck

Henry

 

[dragoon]

You may want to ask the manufacturer how it was laid in the first place. Looking at your boat, it's GRP so I'd be surprised if it has a plywood subdeck. My guess is that there's screw holes in the GRP which will need to be filled - maybe that's their goal of using the layers of expoxy?

What make of boat is it? Also, do you have the plastic deck removed already? What condition is the rest of the teak in (aside from the exposed bit)? Do you have any close up photos?

Sorry, don't have any experience of Permadeck.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[jfm]

The boat is a Jack Powles, right?

I struggle to believe that the deck is anything other than a complete GRP moulding with the teak placed on top. In which case, I would fully remove the current teak/fake teak covering, find the leaks (screw holes, splits, joints, whatever) and fill/repair/seal with epoxy or whatever is approriate once you get there, then re-lay a new real or fake teak deck (made as a panel and glued on as a big sheet, using the usual sikaflex glues). I just cannot believe it makes sense to involve any plywood in this.

I'd also agree Nick's suggestion which is to ask Osmotech to do it

 

[Andydent2000]

Yes it is a Powles but the teak does seem to be laid on marine ply not grp. I know this because I have lifted the teak strip in front of the saloon door to scoop out the rot.

I haven't lifted the plastic deck because it will make things worst between now and making a final decision. It's well stuck down in any case. If it was summer maybe a different story.

My problem is that the leaks have been there a long time and at least one joist is rotten through. This will need drying and repairing before the deck can be laid. I don't want to seal in moisture.

I will give Osmotech a call and ask them to take a look.

Thanks for all the advice. Ideally appreciate it.

 

[Andydent2000]

My only concern would be movement in the ply deck causing cracks in the epoxy, so you could consider having the marine ply glassed over instead.

very good point. I hadn't thought of that.

It makes the job longer and more complex but it may be the only solution in the longer term. Thanks