Michael Weston, Aquamarine Services yacht repair specialist, regularly writes for Club Marine Magazine. This latest article discusses vessel deck maintenance.
One of the main causes of deck core saturation damage is water leaks through where deckmounted hardware is installed and secured. Plywood and balsa are commonly used as a core material in decks. Timber-based core materials are organic and can rot. It’s essential for the core material to be protected from the elements, especially water.
Fun fact: the term ‘deck’ is defined as the structures forming the horizontal surfaces in a vessel’s general structure. Consider the foredeck, side decks, bulwarks, and cockpit as horizontal surfaces in this article.
Timber-based core materials are organic and can rot.
Additionally, since hardware and components are similarly attached to the wheelhouse or superstructure, and also possibly of timber construction, we will refer to those areas in this article, too.
The next question may be: do you have timber-cored decks? Many boat manufacturers utilise balsa or plywood as a core material in decks due to cost, diagonal stiffness, ease of use and availability of materials. There are also foamor composite-cored decks. These are used for a lighter weight factor, but come at additional cost. Foam cores may or may not be impervious to moisture or the elements and are better protected when sealed, so on we go.
Continue reading this article about vessel deck maintenance to keep your deck strong and healthy.
Contact our friendly and professional team to see how we can help you maintain a healthy deck.
