Your yacht is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design, and the deck plays a vital role in its functionality, safety, and aesthetics. At West Bay Shipyards, we offer premier decking solutions tailored to enhance your vessel’s beauty, durability, and performance. Our focus is on three exceptional decking options: Teak, Flexiteek, and Esthec. Let’s explore what sets each apart—and how they cater to a range of preferences, from timeless natural elegance to cutting-edge innovation.
Teak Decking: The Timeless Standard
For centuries, teak has been the gold standard in marine decking, revered for its natural elegance, durability, and performance in demanding environments.
Natural Beauty
Teak’s golden-brown hues and fine grain patterns create a luxurious aesthetic that complements any vessel. Over time, it develops a beautiful silver patina, adding to its timeless charm.
Unmatched Durability
Teak is naturally resistant to water, rot, and pests, making it ideal for the harsh marine environment. What makes teak particularly appealing today is its commitment to sustainability. Reputable suppliers harvest teak from responsibly managed plantations, ensuring minimal environmental impact. These plantations are carefully monitored to prevent deforestation, protect biodiversity, and support local economies. Additionally, many manufacturers adopt eco-friendly practices, such as replanting harvested areas and reducing waste during production. For eco-conscious yacht owners, this sustainable sourcing adds an extra layer of appeal, combining luxury with environmental responsibility. Its high oil content ensures long-lasting performance, even with minimal maintenance.
Low Maintenance
Teak requires periodic cleaning and occasional sanding to maintain its appearance. Unlike synthetic materials, it’s easy to repair by replacing individual planks if needed.
Excellent Grip
Even when wet, teak provides a non-slip surface, enhancing safety for crew and passengers.
Applications and Customization
Teak decking is highly versatile and can be custom-fitted to match the unique contours of your yacht. From sleek, minimalist designs to intricate inlays, teak offers endless possibilities to elevate your deck’s aesthetic.
Flexiteek: The Eco-Friendly Alternative
Flexiteek has revolutionized marine decking with its innovative, sustainable approach. It replicates the look and feel of traditional teak while offering several advantages for modern yacht owners.
Key Benefits of Flexiteek
Customizable Designs: Available in a wide range of colors and plank widths, Flexiteek allows you to personalize your yacht’s deck to suit your preferences. From classic teak finishes to modern grey or whitewashed tones, Flexiteek can achieve virtually any aesthetic.
Durability and Longevity
Flexiteek is UV-resistant, stain-resistant, and highly durable. It can withstand years of exposure to saltwater, sun, and heavy foot traffic without fading or cracking.
Low Maintenance
Unlike natural teak, Flexiteek requires no sanding, sealing, or oiling. A simple wash with soap and water keeps it looking pristine.
Eco-Friendly Material
Made from recycled materials, Flexiteek is an environmentally conscious choice. It is made with a bio-attributed PVC, which produces up to 80% less greehouse gases than other decking made with fossil-fuel pased PVC. The production process minimizes environmental impact by using energy-efficient manufacturing methods and reducing waste. By choosing Flexiteek, yacht owners not only enhance their vessel’s appearance but also support sustainable practices that help protect our oceans. By choosing Flexiteek, you’re reducing your carbon footprint without compromising on style or performance.
Heat Reduction Technology
Flexiteek’s proprietary technology ensures that its surface stays cooler underfoot, even in direct sunlight—a significant advantage for barefoot comfort.
Esthec: The Modern Composite Solution
Esthec is the pinnacle of modern marine decking, combining advanced composite technology with sleek, contemporary aesthetics. Engineered using a blend of high-performance resins and natural fibers, Esthec is designed to provide exceptional durability while minimizing environmental impact. The composite material ensures a lightweight yet sturdy deck that resists warping, splintering, and cracking under extreme marine conditions. Furthermore, when it comes time for a change, you can return it to the factory for recycling or re-work it locally with a new top layer for a second life cyclle. This makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious yacht owners who seek both functionality and sustainability. Yacht owners seeking cutting-edge performance and style should look no further.
Why Choose Esthec?
Aesthetic Versatility: Esthec offers endless design possibilities. With a vast palette of colors and customizable patterns, you can create a deck that’s as unique as your yacht. From sleek monochromatic looks to bold, artistic designs, Esthec transforms your deck into a statement piece.
1. Superior Durability
Esthec is engineered to resist wear and tear, UV rays, and chemical exposure. Its composite structure ensures it won’t warp, crack, or splinter, even in extreme conditions.
2. Lightweight Design
Compared to traditional teak, Esthec is significantly lighter, reducing your vessel’s overall weight and improving fuel efficiency.
3. Non-Slip Surface
The textured surface of Esthec provides excellent grip, enhancing safety during rough seas or rainy weather.
4. Minimal Maintenance
Esthec is virtually maintenance-free, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild detergent. It’s also resistant to stains, ensuring a consistently polished appearance.
Why These Decking Options Outshine the Rest
When it comes to marine decking, not all materials are created equal. Here’s why Teak, Flexiteek, and Esthec stand above traditional and alternative options:
Traditional Wood Alternatives
While other woods like mahogany or iroko may be used for decking, they lack the durability, natural oils, and timeless beauty of teak. These woods are more susceptible to rot, warping, and higher maintenance costs.
Metal and Fiberglass Decks
Although durable, metal and fiberglass decks can feel cold, lack aesthetic appeal, and offer poor grip compared to the natural texture of Teak or the engineered surface of Esthec and Flexiteek.
Synthetic Decking Options
Many synthetic decks fail to replicate the authentic look and feel of teak, often appearing too uniform or artificial to satisfy discerning yacht owners. Additionally, they can become excessively hot under the sun, making them uncomfortable for bare feet. Flexiteek and Esthec, however, leverage advanced technologies to overcome these common issues, offering innovative solutions such as heat-reduction technology and textured surfaces that enhance both comfort and safety. Flexiteek and Esthec overcome these shortcomings with superior technology and design.
The West Bay Shipyards Advantage
At West Bay Shipyards, we pride ourselves on delivering impeccable quality and craftsmanship. When you choose us for your decking needs, you benefit from:
Expert Consultation
Our team works closely with you to understand your vision and recommend the best decking solution for your yacht.
Seamless Installation
Our skilled fabricators and installers ensure every plank is perfectly aligned and secured for a seamless finish.
Precision Digital Templates
We use advanced technology to create precise digital templates, ensuring a flawless fit for your deck.
Ongoing Support
We’re here for you long after installation, offering maintenance tips and support to keep your deck in peak condition.
Explore Our Decking Options
West Bay Shipyards is more than just a name in the world of luxury yacht refits and customizations; it’s a hub of innovation, craftsmanship, and unmatched expertise. As we gear up for the 2025 Vancouver International Boat Show—a pivotal event running from January 29 to February 2—we’re excited to showcase our latest projects, connect with boating enthusiasts, and highlight the unique advantages of choosing West Bay Shipyards for your next marine venture.
Our booth will be a highlight of the event, featuring:
- Samples of our premium decking, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship that define our work.
- A live expert specializing in Esthec decking available to answer your questions.
- A captivating presentation of our custom yacht refit projects, including video demonstrations of innovative installations.
Stop by to:
- View samples of Teak, Flexiteek, and Esthec decking up close.
- Learn about the latest trends in marine decking.
- Discover how we turn your vision into reality with custom designs and seamless installations.
Your yacht deserves the best, and the right decking can make all the difference.
Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of Teak, the eco-friendly innovation of Flexiteek, or the cutting-edge sophistication of Esthec, West Bay Shipyards has the perfect solution for you.
Contact us today to explore our premier decking options and take the first step toward transforming your vessel into a true masterpiece.
Come see us at the 2025 Vancouver International Boat Show and let’s make your dream deck a reality!