Q.What are “Non-Migrating Plasticizers”?
A. All soft plastics use oils to provide their flexibility. Inexpensive plasticizers tend to move around within the material over time and will eventually work their way to the surfaces. On the top surface they evaporate and get washed away, causing the material to dry, crack, crumble and chalk. When the oils move to the bottom surface they jeopardize the bond with the adhesive causing premature release. All PlasDECK products use a formulation that ensures these oils are immobile so the material will retain its adhesion, stain resistance and flexibility much longer than other products.
Q. Are PlasDECK decking materials slippery when wet?
A. NO! All PlasDECK products offer superb traction, much better than non-skid patterns molded into the fiberglass. It actually offers a little more traction when it is wet than when it is dry. Many of our customers have purchased PlasDECK decking products for their non-slip properties, especially on swim platforms.
Q. Does PlasDECK E-Series get hot in the sun?
A. PlasDECK E-Series will get warmer than a white fiberglass deck due to its darker color. Temperatures compare to that of a real teak wood deck. As most boaters who are used to southern summers already know, spraying a teak deck with water will cool it down without fear of making it slippery. The same technique works great with PlasDECK E-Series. If you reside in a temperate climate we recommend that you consider CoolTEAK as an alternative to PlasDECK E-Series.
Q. What if I damage my PlasDECK?
A. All PlasDECK products are very tough but we recommend that you treat them like a real teak deck. That means you should try to avoid dragging your anchor across the material and leave the spiked golf shoes at home. However, should you scratch or scuff your deck you can sand out the blemish with 40 grit sandpaper. For more extensive damage, we can remove and replace small sections of the material by cutting along the caulking lines.
Q. How do I take care of my PlasDECK?
A. Just wash it! Use whatever soap you use to wash the rest of your boat. For petroleum spills we recommend a mild dish detergent like Dawn or Palmolive. Avoid using any harsh solvents like Acetone or MEK around your PlasDECK. Unlike real wood, PlasDECK products can be pressure washed without damage. The brown color of PlasDECK will hide a lot of dirt so it’s hard to know when the material is actually dirty. To avoid seeing “wear patterns” where dirt is continuously ground into the decking in high traffic areas, we recommend that you wash the deck frequently.
Q. How thick is PlasDECK decking material?
A. PlasDECK products are about 3/16” thick and are completely colorfast throughout the entirety of the material.
Q. Does PlasDECK come in different colors?
A. Yes! PlasDECK E-Series is available with either black or off-white caulking lines but, as with Azure, the main body of the material is only available in a rich, golden teak color. CoolTEAK is a much lighter color with teak colored lines. We have custom colors in the PlasDECK Spectrum line like grey with black lines (Silver) and Black with grey lines (Tuexedo). We can also fabricate custom colors on demand but they do require a minimum purchase.
Q. How much do PlasDECK materials cost?
A. Raw material cost can vary for the same area depending on the pattern desired but you should plan on about $21/sq.ft. That should cover the material and all of the necessary adhesives. See our online store for more information. Note that only PlasDECK E- Series is available in raw material form.
Q. How much do pre-assembled PlasDECK panels cost?
A. Panel kits are quoted per project and vary depending on the pattern and requisite labor. Panel kits can range from $30 to $45 per square foot. AZURE is approximately 20% more.
Q. How much is a custom PlasDECK installation?
A. Custom Installations are quoted per project and vary depending on the pattern and the requisite labor and travel. Custom installations can range from $45 to $75 per square foot. On the East Coast we find that on average our custom installations cost about 65% that of real ½” thick teak wood planking. AZURE is approximately 15% more
Q. Why should we choose TT Custom Marine to do the installation?
A. Your boat or yacht is not just another project to us. We take great care to ensure that our installations look correct and authentic. Our experience with larger yachts and more difficult applications put our craftsmen in a league of their own. Our people are honest and trustworthy and we won’t leave your project unless you are 100% satisfied. We also provide a full 5 year warranty on our craftsmanship, try and find that anywhere else in the marine industry.
INSTALLATION FAQ’s
Q. Can I install PlasDECK E-Series myself?
A. YES! All PlasDECK products except AZURE are available to the DIYer. The raw materials come in various extrusions that make it simple for the average handyman to lay a truly convincing deck. The best part is that installing it yourself does not reduce the warranty. See our online store and installation guide for more information
Q. How is PlasDECK E-Series attached to the deck?
A. PlasDECK products are installed using a single part polyurethane adhesive specially formulated for marine use by Bostik. The adhesive is troweled on to the deck using a notched spreader and the PlasDECK material is bed in place using a flooring roller.
Q. How do I determine how much PlasDECK E-Series I need?
A. Our free estimation and design services will take all of the guess work out of ordering. With a deck plan or sketch and measurements we can develop a pretty accurate bill of materials. See our Design and Estimating page for more information.
Q. Do I have to grind off the non-skid pattern on my fiberglass?
A. It is not necessary for proper adhesion and many decks have been done without removing any non-skid. However, we occasionally recommend it in areas where there are differences in height across a section of deck. The finished results will be more pleasing.
Q. What do I need to do to my decks before installation?
A. The decks need to be clean and free of any dirt, grease or wax. A good cleaning with Acetone or Denatured alcohol usually does the trick.
Q. How hard is it to make a usable template of my boat?
A. Very easy. We prefer to use a clear Mylar or Polyester film that you simply lie over the area and trace the edges with a permanent marker. The Mylar will not shrink, stretch or warp like paper or other materials. Plus you can see through it to identify any potential problems. Then just roll it up and send it off to us.
Q. Where do I get the template material?
A. We will supply you enough material to template your boat once we confirm your order.
Q. How warm does it need to be to install PlasDECK E-Series?
A. The single part urethane adhesive needs a minimum ambient temperature of 60˚F to 65˚F for 24-36 hours to cure properly. The adhesive and the PlasDECK material is easiest to work with between 70˚ F and 85˚F
Q. Will you come to my boat for an installation?
A. YES! That’s what we do best. We cover the entire East Coast and beyond. Our craftsmen are clean, courteous, trustworthy and fully insured.
Q. Can I bring my boat to you?
A. We do not have secure facilities to store customer boats. We can accept boats under 21’ in our work shop on a limited basis.
Q. How long will it take to get my PlasDECK E-Series?
A. Raw materials are readily available and ship within a day or two. Pre-Assembled panels are made to order and lead times depend on the schedule of our production shop. Please contact us to discuss current lead times.
Q. When can I get a full custom installation?
A. Our travel schedule is dictated heavily by the weather and climate. Typically we travel south from NC between Oct. and April. We start going North of NC around late April through the summer. Our schedule for custom installations is usually booked 3-4 months in advance. Please contact us to inquire about our current travel schedule. Also check to see if we have an installer in your area.
Contact Us to discuss your project in more detail with one of our experts.
