Steel & teak??

[Guest]

Our search for a ~40ft steel blue water yacht has taken us to Holland - where we've viewed some fantastic yachts - fair hulls, good kit, OK price.....but.... (isn't there always a but?!).....many have beautiful teak decks.

Are teak decks on steel boats a complete "no-no" for long term cruising?

Many thanks,
Ruth

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

STS Lord Nelson has a steel hull and teak decks and has been used continuously for the last 15 years. the decks still look perfect.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

Does she operate in the tropics? heard that teak decks are OK in temperate climes, but that they suffer in continuous sunshine. (or is the secret in having teams of sail training cadets maintaining them?!)

Ruth

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

she spends 3 months each year in the canaries.

i did sail on a boat which had spent 8 winters in the caribbean, her teak was worn down but this was attributed to over-enthusiastic use of deck scrubber.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

Hi ! Several things to remember IMHO The expansion rates of Teak and steel are different and thus some minimal movement may occur so it is important that both surfaces can move differetially as required without becoming detached. any area where water could gain access under the Teak and on to the steel(for the life of the vessel) must be correctly sealed and maintained otherwise rust will form pushing the teak off the surface and creating cavities, ending up with more water access points and so on. Correct and easy maintenence is a must, keep edges and abutments sealed with "Sykens" or similar. When in hot climes hose the deck down when you can, which by expanding the teak, keeps the joints tight etc. also cools them down

All the above really depends on the construction of the vessel , for example if the teak is the structual deck then Caulking may have been used in the form of Hokum, etc. If teak is fitted to steel decks directly, often the planks are screwed individually through the deck on the underside. My preferred method is to resin bond marine ply sheeting to the deck with necessary fixings only( giving as impervious surface as possible) and then to fit the teak decking with the West system in the traditional manner King plank etc. At the gunnels I leave a "gutter" to accomodate the staunchions etc and lap the teak edge plank over the ply by 1 inch 25mm and caulk this flush with Sykkens. Joints in the deck have in the bottom of each groove a length of used cassette tape to prevent the caulking adhering to the ply which allows the caulk to stretch as the teak contracts and expands (Note if some form of tape is not used to the bottom of the grooves/gaps, the caulk will peel off the edge of one side or the other) it is also important to use the correct sealer to the edges of the board and any area where the caulk is required to adhere. I could go on for hours (have done for too long anyway!) Hope this helps PM me if I need more thoughts.
Rob

<hr width=100% size=1>robinwdunham

 

[AndrewB]

Excellent advice!

Accords with that given by Ian Nicholson in 'Small Steel Craft' which is a good read for anyone planning to buy or fit out a steel hull, if a little dated (1991). Teak decks have often been fitted on steel hulls, but steel is a probably a better long-term solution.

If RuthRT meant adding a surface teak veneer to a steel yacht, in the manner fashionable on a number of modern GRP yachts, then I would say this is an absolute no-no. Its only purpose is to prettify the yacht, something that is out of keeping with the character of steel. Set against this, it will encourage rusting to develop under the teak, specially so if it involves drilling holes in the deck (something to be avoided as far as possible with steel). A glue bonding will be difficult to maintain. And it adds weight where it is least needed. Deck paint or Treadmaster are far preferable non-slip surfaces.

 

[smee]

I have a Dutch steel motorsailer with teak decks, which I am currently in the process of renovating, as the previous owner had let the caulking deteriorate.

As long as caulking is not let to go to wrack and ruin, they should be OK. I have an elderly friend who pointed out that he had been on big warships during the war that were teak on steel, and in the tropics they hosed the decks daily to keep timber swelled. That and keeping the caulking in good condition should see them last without problems. It would also help insulate the boat, especially as the Dutch seem to put thick teak on their boats!!!

I have also come across a product which can be coated on many things, but can also be coated on a teak deck. It is a coating called Coelan which is a clear flexible breathable coating (not varnish), and this could certainly save teak decks from wear and sun - though it does make decks look varnished which may not be everyone's cup of tea. It may be slippery, although I know at least one person who has done the deck who so far says not, but you can put non slip clear beads in the coating to help that.

<hr width=100% size=1>