Composite "teak" platform

[h2oskeefreek]

Doing a little market research here. How much of a market to y'all think there would be for composite, teak-looking, completely maintenance free swim platforms for around $250-300? You'd still have the look and feel of teak, but the maintenance of a fiberglass platform.

[DanielC]

My opinion, the lowest maintenance platform material is real teak. Nothing man made is better, at any price.

[swc5150]

There could potentially be a market for those with older boats? I don't for sure, but I'm assuming it's consumer demand that lead to most platforms being composite on new boats?

[DanielC]

My understanding it was just getting harder (more expensive) to get good teak wood to build the platforms out of.

[swc5150]

That's probably true. They do charge extra for the teak option.

[ClemsonDave]

Teak is not an option anymore. I NEVER thought I would like the fiberglass platform, and I still don't like the way it gets scratched. However, I absolutely LOVE the faux teak material. I went the entire year without a ski mark on the transom. Skis do not slide at all on that material. It also does not mark up the bottom of the ski (even a Goode!).

If you can make this composite platform with some of the same properties at the faux teak, you might have a good seller.

[gride]

couldn't you just wrap a composite platform with the new "sano" teak looking stuff? teak is expensive, even though it lasts forever. i prefer the look of teak , but the maintenance free part of my composite. however, i have yet to see a composite with a transom saver.

[h2oskeefreek]

This would be a teak looking platform made out of recycled polyethylene, not a fiberglass platform with a pad. It would be built very similarly to the newer platforms out there, with no slats. I'm looking at having it initially available in a traditional shape like what was on a 2001 or a Stars and Stripes, eventually adding the triangular/pointed style from some of the X series boats and an octagon that mimics the curved shape of the newer nauti' boards. The material is a little darker than actual teak, but will fade somewhat with sun exposure. it would be a few lbs heavier than an actual teak platform, but I don't think it would be significant.

[jamiewilson3]

It is certainly possible. Make sure that the resins are capable of long term exposure to being in water, beyond that of a decking material.

[RobbieMWD]

I have been wanting to change out my platform for a Teak one on my 2004 SANTE 210, but haven't had any luck finding anyone that sells them. Anyone know where to buy one?

[h2oskeefreek]

If you want real teak, try Tommy Nation at TeakWorld in Tennessee.