Likely you have already come across one or more of the teak alternatives now found on many production and custom boat builds of all sizes, from tender platform to the technical areas on the lower deck of yachts, and even on upper decks. Esthec’s parent company Bolidt is one of the “oldest” manufacturers of synthetic flooring materials. The boat decking that Esthec manufactures is based on a product that has been used in commercial shipping and cruise ships for more than 15 years.

Esthec recently featured its new pre-molded decks on two new tenders by Interboat shown at Amsterdam’s in-water show. The new ”In-mold” method allows pre-mounting to the deck molds, a technique that improves material adhesion by preventing air bubbles from being trapped between the hull and the deck and helps reduce the deck’s overall weight by 30 to 35 percent, according to the manufacturer. In general, the synthetic decks offer great resistance to water, oil, grease and algae growth.

These qualities have encouraged builders like Interboat, Novurania, Zeelander and others to install them on their new models. But the same qualities can benefit older boats facing the onerous prospect of replacing part or all of a damaged teak deck. There lies the potential growth market for alternate teak decking manufacturers. To that effect Esthec recently appointed Fort Lauderdale-based Kardinal Marine as its US authorized agent for refit projects.

Need more info? Visit esthecusa.com, kardinalmarine.com, or contact John Jacobi: [email protected], +1.954.960.6810