More character with Topdek ‘The boats on which we mounted Topdek are new boats. This gives a much better/more luxurious appearance than the white gelcoat,’ says Marijn Geluk of Geluk Fijnhoutbewerking. The boats are provided with a white gelcoat as standard. However, the owner of the Beneteau sailing boats wanted a more luxurious appearance and a sustainable deck. A real teak deck was not an option, the material is expensive and scarce. The deck was therefore made with Topdek, the best alternative to teak. Topdek 2G synthetic teak has practical dimensions, a lifelike appearance and is lighter than other alternatives to teak. The color Seasoned was chosen, with a black joint. For the Oceanis 30.1, approximately 10 m2 of material was used and for the Oceanis 40.1 this was 19.1 m2. Woodworking specialist prefers Topdek Many woodworking specialists who work with alternatives to teak wood express their preference for Topdek. Marijn Geluk is also satisfied with the product and the supplier. ‘We have been working with Topdek for years as a replacement for teak. The material is of high quality and available in various colours. The finish is top. The collaboration with Topdek as a supplier is good. An agreement is an agreement and that is experienced as pleasant, because that is what our customers expect from us.’ Vacuum bonding of synthetic teak The technique of vacuum bonding is used to place the synthetic teak. A vacuum foil is applied to the boat, which is vacuumed. This creates a negative pressure, which means that everything is pressed evenly. ‘Before we can start vacuum bonding the deck with Topdek, we make a mold. This has to be done accurately. This way, we ensure that everything fits neatly when cutting the panels to size. The panels are made in the workshop and installed on location, which can easily be a winter rack or a third-party workshop. We apply glue to the deck, place the panels on it. We cover this airtight with vacuum foil. Then the vacuum pump is turned on and all the air is sucked out.’ Result Beneteau deck after vacuum bondingWhat is the advantage of vacuum bonding synthetic teak? ‘We have been using this technique for 25 years. At first only for real teak decks, but the technique also turned out to be perfect for synthetic teak decks. The working method does not differ much. The advantage of this technique is that the pressure is the same everywhere. You do not have to drag around weights. Applying a lot of weight to a boat when gluing can make the boat unstable on the trestle.’ Is vacuum gluing faster than regular gluing? ‘No, regular gluing with weights on it is faster. The quality of a vacuum-glued deck is better. This prevents air bubbles from getting stuck under the synthetic teak, which also improves the adhesion. You do need to make sure that you have treated the surface well, especially if you are renovating a deck. But that applies to everything.’ Finishing the synthetic teak deck Once the synthetic Topdek is in place, it is neatly sanded so that the grain becomes clearly visible for a natural look. The clean deck is treated with Topdek Sealer by Geluk as standard, which makes stains easier to remove. If a stain does occur during the sailing season, it can be tackled with Topdek Cleaner. Durable deck covering The synthetic deck is resistant to seawater and UV light. Decks that were equipped with Topdek 15 years ago still look perfect, is the experience of many water sports enthusiasts with this synthetic product on the deck. This makes Topdek a good investment for years of sailing pleasure. Interested in Topdek synthetic teak? Also interested in Topdek synthetic teak deck on your boat? Are you looking for a dealer near Bruinisse? Then contact them via: www.gelukfijnhoutbewerking.nl For other addresses, please visit our dealer page: Topdek.nl dealers.