SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS PRODUCTS FOR THE MARINE INDUSTRY
We’re well into the summer season, and that means some of the longest days of the year are back. Boating enthusiasts are getting their days in on the water, and for most that means spending sunrise to sunset on their boat. Hopefully after you’ve brought your winterized boat back out after not using it for months, you weren’t left with any surprising damages or expensive repairs. Regardless of your boating plans, all boaters are eager to spend time on the water for the remainder of the summer.
Did you ever stroll by a marina and notice brown and red rust on the sides of metal boats? We’re going to take a deeper dive into why this happens, and the outlook for boating materials for both salt and fresh water.
Plastic vs Traditional Boat Materials
The most common problem for traditional boat materials, such as wood and metal, are the negative effects of water and sun damage on the interior of the boat. The biggest downfalls to even the best boats made of wood and metal is that over time they will start to corrode, rot, and grow mildew from constant water and sun exposure. The flooring of boats, as well as the hatch coverings for lifejackets or live fish catches, serve a large purpose and undergo lots of wear and tear during each boating season.
While wood and metal have been used for many years, there’s no doubt that HDPE and PVC are finding bigger and newer ways to be used as traditional materials are being replaced. They require little to no maintenance and are so versatile that you can always find the right material for your boat depending on needs, where it’s being used, and your budget.
The main benefits of HDPE and PVC plastic for marine use are that they’re resistant to many forms of weather-related damage from the sun’s harsh UV rays, saltwater and freshwater, and they resist abrasion, discoloration and corrosion. Another marine-grade plastic is PLASKOLITE’s TUFFAK VR and Marine 5 polycarbonate sheet with exceptional durability and weatherability. It’s no secret that HDPE, PVC, and polycarbonate perform well in harsh outdoor marine conditions and can truly stand the test of time in the water, and that is why so many are now using these marine materials for their boat interiors. Let’s explore the many marine products that PLASKOLITE offers so you can see the benefits of plastic for marine use and how it can make your time on the water more enjoyable and keep your boat looking pristine for years to come.
PLASKOLITE TUFFAK® Marine 5
PLASKOLITE’s TUFFAK product line is ideal for all environments and redefines your boating view with clear, unobstructed views and provides the cleanest, crisp finish for your boating enclosures.
The marine environment and corrosive saltwater can do serious damage and decrease the longevity of most materials that shares a habitat with it. When it comes to choosing the right product for your boat’s windshield, you need a plastic material designed for only the most demanding applications, which is why we can’t say enough good things about TUFFAK Marine 5. Instead of dealing with a cloudy view from an older scratched and worn-out boat windshield, TUFFAK Marine 5 has a two-sided hard coat protection feature to defend your boat’s windshield from abrasion, harsh UV rays and resist damage from chemical contact.
PLASKOLITE’s detailed manufacturing process of TUFFAK Marine 5 creates low-optical distortion for the clearest views and unparalleled sightlines so all you see is the clear blue water in front of you.
PLASKOLITE TUFFAK® VR
When comparing TUFFAK Marine 5 and TUFFAK VR, they are very similar options, but one major difference between the two is within their flexibility and thicknesses. TUFFAK VR (vinyl replacement), is thinner than Marine 5 and can be rolled or sewn into fabric or zippers and is resistant to yellowing. Marine 5, backed with a 5-year warranty, is thicker, UV stable, and hard coat protected for a more rigid format windshield replacement that stays optically clear and is highly resistant to becoming cloudy. When you’re spending your time on the water, you don’t want your boat’s windshield to be scratched, creating a cloudy vision for the journey ahead. Boat windshields are a major aspect of how you enjoy your time on the water because they also shield you and your passengers from bugs, wind, water, and block the sun’s UV rays.
Your boat will have a stunning appearance for years to come due to the yellowing resistance and two-sided enhanced weatherability, only offered by TUFFAK VR. It’s perfect for use where space is limited, while also having the ability to be rolled. It is wrinkle-free and resists expanding, shrinking, and warping from temperature fluctuations with the sun’s UV rays and storing your boat for long periods in the colder months.
PLASKOLITE SEABOARD® by VYCOM
VYCOM SEABOARD HDPE plastic sheet products do not rust, corrode, rot, delaminate, or splinter, making them ideal for the marine and boating industry. Time on the water is meant to be enjoyed, so having scratch-resistant and UV resistant materials for your boat is one major benefit to avoid these issues. For example, we often see wood hatches and covers being exposed to the sun's UV rays, and it’s typical to notice some warping, (they may not close properly) splintering, and fading over just a couple of summers with this traditional material. SEBOARD HDPE helps eliminate these issues and keeps your boat looking and performing at its best for years to come.
SEABOARD PVC, STREAMLITE and ENDURABOND also make great alternatives to wood and metal substrates for your seat cushion backings. Our foamed SEABOARD PVC sheets are an ideal replacement for the traditional wood backings which can and will absorb moisture over time, causing the wood to rot and mildew to move onto your seat coverings. SEABOARD PVC foam sheets can easily be machined, and have great nail, screw, and staple retention for reupholstering. These products also offer the benefit of being lighter weight than traditional materials, yet strong and durable, lasting the lifespan of your boat.
STREAMLITE
Another ideal marine plastic from the VYCOM brand is STREAMLITE PVC foam sheets that also make an excellent alternative for consoles and instrument panels. They’re ideal for light-duty applications while still providing great screw and staple retention. They’re also UV-protected and lead and heavy-metal-free to optimize performance while keeping an environmentally friendly outlook for our oceans, lakes, and waterways.
ENDURABOND
Made of PVC, ENDURABOND by VYCOM is another marine plastic that boasts on supporting sustainability, as it contains up to 100% recyclable content while providing heavy-duty structural and bonding properties for the harshest applications. This product also offers optimal screw retention, as well as enhanced adhesion. When it comes to replacing any wood on your boat, ENDURABOND is the ideal substrate material that is reliable and durable, with an added unique feature of having both course and smooth texture sheet options available in ¼” – ¾”, and won’t splinter, rot, delaminate, or corrode.
Performance Plastics for Optimal Marine Materials
As you can see, these high-quality materials provide superior performance in outdoor environments where water, UV exposure, and other harsh outdoor elements are present. When comparing to wood and metal, PLASKOLITE’s SEABOARD HDPE, PVC, and TUFFAK polycarbonate sheet have superior benefits and are ideal for marine applications. Whether you are looking for more durable materials for your boat’s windshield, hatch covers, seat backs, sides and flooring, all these products are made to last so you can spend less time keeping up with maintenance and enjoy more time on the water.