TDS completes the third phase of USS ALABAMA’S teak deck replacement project.

Teakdecking Systems completing the third phase of refitting the teak deck on the USS Alabama, ensuring quality

TDS, was appointed by USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park to undertake the task of replacing the 80-year-old teak deck on the iconic WWII battleship. Commencing in November 2021, the ambitious three-year deck replacement project involved meticulous digitization and engineering of the deck, followed by installation which began in February 2022. Today, we proudly announce the successful completion of the third phase out of five, with the new deck expected to be fully completed in July 2024.

Covering an expansive area of 21,000 ft2, the fabrication of the deck is undertaken at TDS’s manufacturing facility in Sarasota. The estimated hours for fabrication are 19,000, while installation demands 21,000 hours of dedicated craftmanship. A highly skilled team comprising of 6-8 members from TDS is onboard the historic battleship, ensuring the installation of the new deck.

With the completion of the third phase, visitors can once again enjoy full access to the starboard side of the WWII battleship USS ALABAMA. As we move forward with the project, a temporary ramp has been placed at the top of the battleship’s gangway for the duration of the project.

To commemorate this significant endeavor and support the teak deck replacement project, visitors can purchase finished items crafted from the worn original planks. Additionally, larger dimensions of the unfinished teak planks are sold by the linear foot by appointment only. All proceeds go directly to the funding of teak deck replacement project.

Richard Strauss, CEO said “It is an honor for all of us at Teakdecking Systems to be entrusted with the responsibility of building and installing a new deck for the legendary USS ALABAMA battleship. This project presents significant challenges, considering that the memorial park remains accessible to visitors, but our team are driven by a deep satisfaction of playing a part in restoring the historic battleship back to its former glory”.

“Replacing our World War II teak deck is a three-year, $8.5 million project. Maintenance of the battleship, submarine and park exhibits is expensive. We work those requirements simultaneously with the teak deck project,” said USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission Chairman Terry Ankerson.

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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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