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Subject: Re: TWL: Deck Covering
Albin43Tr@XXX.XXX
Date: Tue Jan 01 2002 - 20:12:27 EST
Garrett, Len & All,
<< I must be the only one on TWL who likes teak decking, but I find the
unfinished teak on my aft deck comfortable and secure of footing, and a
lot easier to keep clean than my diamond non-skid 'glass decks. >>
Nope, I like teak decking too. I just "do not relish" keeping the finish up
to a reasonable level.
If you remove the teak, remember that the boat was probably designed to have
the teak as a load bearing surface. I have no idea how much strength that may
account for, but I would inquire about possibly having to reinforce the
remaining fiberglass surface. This would be most important at the various
places where you will subject the deck to high stress, such as at the bottom
of steps, etc. Possibly one of our TWL boat designers/builders would like to
address this. Of course, one design does not fit all boats, but a general
statement of what a 3/8" or 1/2" typical teak deck adds in the way of
strength would be enlightening. It may be uni-directional, but, as in our
Albin, the boat has glassed in cross members that receive fasteners for the
teak which is laid in the fore-aft axis. These cross members would add the
transverse strength, and the teak the fore aft, plus, since each teak strip
is bedded and has two screws in each cross member, diagonal strength is
increased. Replacing all that with a coat of paint seems imprudent unless you
are certain the lost strength is not needed.
But then, I am not a structural engineer......
Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
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