Replacing the teak gunnels on 1975 20' Amberjack

[JTaylor]

I need to find 2 pieces of teak that measure 10" w
by 103 " L x 1/2 T
Or somewhere with like 1/2 " thick starboard or equivalent.
Any ideas?
If anyone has restored a 1975 Amberjack man would I like to talk to you !!
Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Soulshine]

Get ready to spend big on teak in general and an additional premium for those sizes.

Mahogany is a great substitute and will be indistinguishable within a few months once it turns a more amber color.

There’s also an interesting synthetic product called Plasteak that is inexpensive by comparison that I’ve used. It’s very easy to work with power and hand tools, looks fine from 10’ away but it’s as slippery as ice when dry. Oddly, traction improves dramatically when it’s wet.

 

[JTaylor]

Hey thanks for the reply, I'll look into mahogany.
Also possible going with starboard hatches,gunnals for long term durability etc.
Thanks again.

 

[Lazy Daze]

As you're searching for pricing on teak/mahogany... you wouldn't necessarily need one long piece. You can scarf a few pieces together... or even leave a cosmetically friendly gap between multiple pieces.

In terms of synthetic... this is Plasdek that I used when I installed a windlass. It's PVC based, but actually feels like lightly sanded wood. It's not "foamy" like Seadek - it's solid. Good grip, too. You wouldn't have to get the teak lines, if you don't want to -and it comes in many colors.

Personally, I'd shy away from HDPE (Starboard) for the gunwales - slippery.

 

[Pirate Lady]

West Marine sells various sizes of teak boards and pieces.

 

[JTaylor]

Hey thanks to everyone for the comments.
Ok let me better explain myself.
I would love to redo everything as the factory but can't find teak in the lengths I need for the gunnnel inserts, 1/2"x10"by 103".
When I'm saying using starboard I'm talking about the non slip.
As for the Plasdek I've never seen it , but love the look from pictures above and most definitely would want the same color with teak lines !
Is Plasdek a plastic?? Haed and cutable?
So I'm lost and this is the only dilemma holding up my doing this project.
Any and all comments, ideas etc are greatly appreciated.
Thank you!!!!

 

[Lazy Daze]

I understand the desire to make things "original" and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. But, there's been a lot of advancements over the years and sometimes it just makes more sense to look at newer stuff... especially when the newer stuff requires pretty much zero maintenance... leaving more time for actually USING the boat, you know?

Even the non-skid HDPE is not as "non-skid" as other stuff.

Yes, Plasdek is a PVC based product. The first time I had a piece in my hands, I had to do a double take since it felt so much like sanded wood.

 

[Pirate Lady]

LD has good thoughts. My 87 268 had lots of teak; bowrails, cockpit, interior. The 89 had minimal teak, mostly interior trim. My 91 has zero teak which while not as cozy it sure reduced maintenance.

 

[JTaylor]

Thanks just ordered samples from plasdek soi I'll give them a look.
Also question for Lazy Daze did you do the install ? and do you have more pictures look sharp !

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks, JT. Yes, I did the windlass install and the Plasdek myself. I made a template of what I wanted and then sent it in to get made. Sorry, no, I don't have any other pictures.