Picture: https://stazo.nl/en/stazo-marinedeck/
In the sailing world, cork is becoming the go-to material to meet modern decking needs. Being significantly lighter than traditional materials and up to 5 times lighter than teak, cork is also highly resistant to wear and tear making it ideal for high-traffic marine applications.
The unique advantages of this natural material are increasingly appreciated in the sailing world.
Picture: https://ecomarinedeck.co.uk/
Back in the early 80s the Dutch company Stazo first began research on alternatives for teak ship decks. Their focus was to find something non-skid, waterproof, and easy to clean. Many different options were investigated, including synthetic materials but cork became the preferred choice due to its sustainable harvesting properties. To maximise the advantages and natural properties of cork, a hybrid synthetic binder was developed, improved and adapted to environmental requirements. The result was Marinedeck 2000®, a product which is now replacing traditional decks on yachts and powerboats having proved itself over more than three decades of use.
“Cork is quickly emerging as a standout choice in eco-friendly decking. We have only recently started working with it and there is absolutely no downside to it.”
– Teakdecking Systems Inc.
Picture: https://www.teakdecking.com
Apart from reducing overall weight, the closed-cell structure of cork dampens structural noise, reducing onboard sound levels and offering superior thermal and acoustic Insulation. It is also impervious to salt water and unlike other materials, cork doesn’t crack, warp, or degrade with sudden temperature changes.
Cork decking is specified on the 2025 ‘Multihull of the Year’ winner at La Grande Motte Multihull Show – the advanced EXCESS 13 catamaran…
Picture: https://www.excess-catamarans.com/
Cork has a soft, velvety feel underfoot, enhancing comfort and safety on deck. The advantage of low thermal conductivity (0.065 W/mºK) keeps decks cool underfoot in the sun and warm in the cold. It’s also splinter-free reducing the risk of impact injuries compared to traditional hardwood decks.
Cork decking is standard on the X Shore 1 Electric daycruiser…
Picture: https://xshore.com/products/x-shore-1/
…and the P-01 hydrogen powered boat from MadBlue Marine
Pictures: https://www.madbluemarine.com/
With thanks to:
Eco Marine Deck – https://ecomarinedeck.co.uk
Excess-Catamarans – https://www.excess-catamarans.com/
Madbluemarine.com – https://www.madbluemarine.com
Navicork – https://navicork.com/
Stazo – https://stazo.nl/en/stazo-marinedeck/
Teakdecking Systems Inc – https://www.teakdecking.com
XShore.com – https://xshore.com/products/x-shore-1/
#yachtbuilding #corkdecking #sustainabledecking #yachtingindustry #navalarchitecture #coolinTheHeat
