The question is where and how Buy a maridec for a boatIt's a challenge for every boat owner who's faced with floor rotting or wants to upgrade their craft. Traditional plywood, even laminated plywood, will inevitably absorb moisture, swell and lose its load-bearing properties, becoming a breeding ground for mold and fungus, which is why modern water-engineers are increasingly turning to composite materials that guarantee durability and safety on the water.
Marine Deck is not just plywood, but high-tech sandwich-stuffIt's designed specifically for use in aggressive aquatic environments, and its structure allows it to stay light, but it can withstand tremendous loads without absorbing water even if you're in long-term contact with it, and if you're looking for a way to make your boat more reliable, buying this material is one of the best investments in the life of your vessel.
In this article, we will take a look at what this material is, how it differs from its peers, and where it can be purchased without the risk of getting into a forgery, learn about the nuances of pricing and understand why saving on flooring in a boat can lead to much higher costs in the future.
What is maridek and why it is better than conventional plywood
Maridek is a composite material consisting of two outer layers of fiberglass and an inner layer of polyurethane foam This structure provides exceptional rigidity and strength at a minimum weight, which is critical for small craft where each kilogram affects driving performance and fuel consumption.
Unlike in the past. plywoodIt's soaked in phenol formaldehyde but still has wood fibers, and maridec is completely inert to water, and it can't get into the structure, which completely eliminates the processes of decay, stratification and swelling, which makes it the perfect solution for floors, bulkheads and deck decks.
In addition, the material has a high thermally insulating Being in a boat with a maridek floor will not feel the cold coming from the water, which is especially true in spring and autumn fishing. The comfort of the fisherman depends on the quality of the equipment, and a warm floor is a significant plus.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to replace maridec with conventional plastic or thin aluminum sheet. These materials do not have the necessary strength on the fracture and can cause injury or destruction of the structure of the boat under load.
Another important advantage is the ease of processing: Despite its strength, the material is easily cut with an electric jigsaw or circular saw, drilled and milled, which allows you to create complex geometric shapes for laying in the bow or under banks without the use of complex industrial equipment.
Key specifications of the material for the aquatic environment
When choosing a material for a boat, you need to pay attention to its physical and mechanical properties. Maridek is designed with the specifics of operation on water, so it has a number of unique parameters that distinguish it from traditional building materials.
First and foremost, it is worth noting. low-water absorptionEven if the outer decorative layer is damaged, the inner filler will not absorb water like a sponge, preventing weight gain and loss of strength, which is critical for safety, since wet floors can significantly shift the center of gravity of a vessel.
When cutting a maridek, use file with a small tooth so that the edges of the cut are as smooth as possible and do not require additional grinding before installation.
The material is also resistant to exposure chemical, fuels and UV radiation, gasoline, oil or fishing chemicals will leave no traces on the surface and will not destroy the structure. The coating is durable in decades, making it economically viable.
Compare the basic indicators of maridek and standard plywood in the table below to clearly see the difference:
| Characterization | Maridek (Composite) | Plywood FSF (Laminated) | Aluminum leaf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water absorption | 0% (absolute) | High (when the layer is damaged) | 0% |
| Weight (kg/sqm) | ~4-5 kg | ~10-12 kg | ~3-4 kg (but noisy) |
| Heat insulation | High. | Medium | Missing. |
| Term of service | 20+ years | 3-5 years | 10+ years |
As you can see from the comparison, composite flooring It's lighter than plywood, warmer than metal, and more durable than both, and it's these specifications that make it the de facto standard for quality tuning for PVC boats and metal boats.
Where to buy maridec: a review of suppliers
Finding a reliable supplier is a top priority, and the market is full of offers, but not all sellers offer an original product with guaranteed performance. Buy a maridec for a boatSo as not to overpay and get a quality product?
The first option is specialized online stores for water engines. Here you will find ready-made solutions, which are sold under popular boat models (Flagman, Cayman, Mev, etc.). crack material.
- 🛒 Specialty shops: wide range, the ability to order a cut under the model.
- 🏭 Composite manufacturers: Sales in sheets, optimal for large volumes or non-standard projects.
- 📦 Marketplace: Often offer prices lower, but you need to carefully check the seller and terms of delivery of bulky cargo.
The second option is direct contact with composites factories, many of which are located in large industrial centers and are ready to boat the material wholesale or retail. save up to 20% cost, excluding the markup of intermediaries.
The third way is regional dealers, and if you need it urgently, it makes sense to look for representatives of major brands in your city, but they may have limited ranges and prices higher than the average market due to logistics costs.
Pricing: what depends on the cost of the sheet
The price of maridecs can vary significantly, and understanding the factors that affect the cost will help you make the right choice. It's not always the cheapest option that's the best, especially when it comes to water safety.
The main factor is leaf-thickness. PVC boat floors are usually 6, 8 or 10 mm thick. A thicker sheet is more expensive, but provides greater rigidity and comfort. For metal boats with longitudinal stringers, 6 mm may be enough, whereas for an inflatable floor it is better to take 8-10 mm.
The second factor is the type of top coating, and there are sheets that have a smooth fiberglass coating, which has a slip-resistant coating (mocking) or a simulated wood. slippery They are more expensive, but they are critical for safety, excluding falls on wet decks.
⚠️ Warning: Beware of suspiciously low-priced offers, often under the guise of a maridek, they sell ordinary plastic foam in a plastic shell or substandard with broken geometry that will not withstand the weight of a person.
Standard size sheets (usually 3000×1500 mm or 2500×1250 mm) are more profitable to buy whole if you plan to make flooring not only in your boat, but also, for example, from friends. cutting He always has his own paycheck.
Hidden cost of delivery
Remember that maridec is a bulky cargo. When ordering online, carefully consider the cost of delivery to the transport company or the point of delivery, it can be up to 30% of the cost of the material itself.
Technology of installation: step-by-step instructions
After you've succeeded. Buy a maridec for a boatThe installation process is quite simple and does not require the professional skills of the shipbuilder, but requires accuracy and adherence to technology.
The first step is always to remove the old gender and cylinder-cleaning The surface must be completely dry and clean, and any grain of sand under the new deck will act as an abrasive, wiping the bottom of the boat.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Then you cut it. If you haven't ordered the finished parts, you need to take the exact measurements from your boat, put the cardboard or old plywood inside the boat, circle the outlines and cut the patterns. composite sheet.
The laying is done either by "stretching" or by attaching glue/scotch, depending on the design of the boat. In inflatable boats, the floor elements are often simply inserted in and straightened out. It is important to ensure that the joints are tightly fit to avoid deflections.
The final stage is the installation of fasteners, if they are provided by the design (for example, for fastening jars or seats), for this purpose, holes are drilled in the maridek, which are recommended to be smeared with a sealant for complete waterproofing.
The main secret of the ideal stacking is to use patterns made of cardboard. Do not try to cut expensive material by eye, a mistake of 1-2 cm can make the sheet unsuitable for bottlenecks in the bow of the boat.
Care for composite flooring and service life
One of the main advantages of maridek is the minimum maintenance requirements, but for the material to last as long as possible and maintain its appearance, you need to follow simple rules of operation.
After each launching, the floor is necessary freshwaterAnd especially if you've been fishing in salt water or in bodies of abundant vegetation, salt and organics, if you stay on the surface, can change the color of the coating over time or make it slippery.
For cleaning, use soft detergents and non-abrasive sponges. Hard brushes The top layer can be damaged, especially if it is a simulated wood or colored coating, and regular washing will keep the aesthetic appearance of your boat for many years to come.
- 🧼 Wash the floor after every fishing.
- ☀️ Dry the boat in straightened form before packing.
- 🔧 Periodically check the condition of the fasteners.
With proper care and careful operation tenure The maridek is virtually unlimited, requiring no painting, oil soaking or replacement every few seasons, as is the case with plywood, making it one of the most practical solutions for modern water-engines.
Can you use a maridec to build a boat from scratch?
Yes, maridecs are often used as deck material or for bulkheads when building small boats on their own, but they are not designed for hull assembly (keel, frames, sideboard skinning), because they do not have the necessary tensile strength in thin sections. For hull work, epoxy-based fiberglass or aluminum is better suited.
How to cut maridecs at home?
The best tool is an electric jigsaw with a metal file or wood (with a small tooth), you can also use a circular saw with a hard alloy disc.
How much heavier is a maridek than plywood?
In fact, high-quality maridec is lighter than plywood of comparable thickness and strength. The material density is about 400-500 kg / m3, while the density of moisture-resistant plywood is about 650-700 kg / m3. Replacing the plywood floor with maridec will reduce the total weight of the boat by 3-5 kg, which is noticeable in low water.