Synthetic Teak Test

Here's an introductory look at three deck coverings that can add luster and function without too much cost. Two are PVC-based—Tek-Dek and Flexiteek—and one is cork-based—MarineDeck 2000. Due to its user-friendliness and resilience, Tek-Dek is our top choice.

Our testing included dropping blunt objects—like this plumb bob—from above to see what damage the synthetics sustained. This Flexiteek sample was very resilient.

Sailing, it seems, involves a constant struggle between heart and brain, with a similar dynamic ocurring between time and money. We lust after a bright-finished classic wooden yacht—one by Herreschoff, say, or Alden—but yield to the practicalities and buy a fiberglass sloop. We drool at the sight of beautiful honey-colored teak decking, but settle for molded-in, low-maintenance fiberglass nonskid surfacing. Well, there aren't many alternatives we could suggest to supplant a classic yacht, but there are some viable alternatives to natural teak decking.…