Synthetic teak decks - do they have longer life compared to real teak?

[West Coast]

Getting to the point I will need to replace worn teak decks on my starlight. Lasted for 23 years, so perhaps not bad. Thinking through all options, researching old forum posts etc.

I appreciate that synthetic teak decks are lower maintenance compared to real teak, costs likely similar, visual aesthetics subjective. However, key question is comparative lifespan of the two options. Will a synthetic teak deck actually last longer than a real teak one, all other things being equal?

 

[pvb]

It will depend to some extent on the type of fake teak, and the skill with which it's installed, but it should certainly outlast teak. There's no appreciable wear on most fake teak products. There might be UV degradation over time, but we're probably talking decades.

I specified fake teak on my current boat. It's a polyurethane-based surface on a rigid substrate. The "seams" are machined in to the panel and caulked in the normal way. It's made by Wolz Nautic in Germany.

 

[Tranona]

That is one of its claims - at least for the material. As pvb says much depends on the installation - and you will only find that out long after the job is done.

Personally, once the deck has had it, stripping it off and not replacing it, but fairing and finishing with a product like Kiwigrip is very attractive. Difficult to justify the cost of applying new teak to a boat with a low and declining value (relative to the cost of teak, that is).

 

[West Coast]

Thanks folks, thats helpful. Certainly, cleaning the old deck off, fairing and finishing with the likes of KiwiGrip is one of the options which I am seriously looking at.

Looking at the various synthetic deck websites, they are quick to point out a lower maintenance advantage, but not longer life (unless I am missing something) - these are two different things!

 

[Tranona]

Looking at the various synthetic deck websites, they are quick to point out a lower maintenance advantage, but not longer life (unless I am missing something) - these are two different things!

That is because maintenance rather than life is the biggest fear for owners of real teak decks. Keeping clean and visions of seams and plugs (when used) failing is what keeps them awake at night. So that is what the substitutes major their sale pitch on as they are selling to folks with knackered leaky, scruffy decks!