INFORMING THE INDUSTRY AT METS TRADE SHOW

Richard Strauss, CEO of Teakdecking Systems, at METS 2024, engaging with industry professionals and showcasing products

INFORMING THE INDUSTRY
At the METS Tradeshow, TDS CEO Richard Strauss participated in a panel discussion organized by Professional Boatbuilders magazine, focusing on the topic of teak and its alternatives. Moderated by Aaron Porter, he was joined by fellow panelists Xavier ardevol and naval architect Marnix Hoekstra to discuss teak and teak alternatives.


Richard shared valuable insights into different types of teak, as well as the various alternative products currently available in the market.

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February 13, 2026
For that reason, you want to start by discussing the project with the service manager at the yard that normally services the boat. In that discussion, you will want to learn the following: Is there a shed or watertight tent large enough to enclose the project, or is there another solution for preventing the weather from causing damage or delay? If the boat is hauled, can it be staged with scaffolding for safety, if necessary? Does the yard have qualified personnel to perform the necessary tasks? These include: Properly protecting the boat's surfaces from damage during the refit. Removing any deck hardware that is in the way, this may require taking down headliners or removing interior trim to access the fasteners. If a replacement teak deck is required, can and how will they remove the existing teak without damaging the rest of the vessel, including the structural deck beneath the current teak deck? After removing the existing teak, are they qualified to inspect and make any necessary repairs to the structural deck? On fiberglass boats, damage may appear as soft spots due to compromised structural core material. In some cases, on metal vessels, it may be necessary to replace damaged sections of plating. Do they have marine carpentry skills to properly final fit and install the new modular teak deck system? With the new deck installed, do they know how to reinstall the deck hardware properly and, if a sailboat, install and tune the rig? Are they capable of re-commissioning the vessel and any systems disabled during the refit? What is the proposed schedule and timeline for the refit? What is the estimated budgetary cost, and which of these costs can be assured? If the yard is not a suitable fit for the project, can they recommend an alternative solution?
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