I'm involved in a project to replace the teak aft deck on a trawler.
Is there a method of construction that DOES NOT require penetrating
the substrate with screws.

Yes. Wonderfully described at West System's 'Epoxyworks' publication.

See: http://www.epoxyworks.com/20/index20.html

MW
Los Angeles

The Gougeon (WEST System) method doesn't leave the screws into the substrate, but I have yet to see an alternative to using screws for clamping the strips down. After the strips are stuck down, the screws are removed and the holes and the seams are filled with the goo of your choice. I recommend filling the holes with epoxy and the seams with Teak Decking Systems' SIS440 goo.
wrote in message oups.com...
Yes. Wonderfully described at West System's 'Epoxyworks' publication.

See: http://www.epoxyworks.com/20/index20.html

MW
Los Angeles

I agree with Jim on the WEST system, particularyly with using a
resiliant type of caulk between planks. I have a friend who used the
hard black carbon type WEST filler and he had problems when the wood
expanded and contracted and the hard black epoxy filler did not.

Also, keep in mind the WEST system requires using a very thin
plank....1/4" I think.

IPE decks are sometimes built using plastic oval washers
Grooves are cut in the plank sides and attched to the framing underneath
with ss screws. So nothing is visible topsides. The planks have a small gap.
and the srews have small narrow heads.
Aso special brackets that attach on the side of the plank and then into the
framing. I think I have seen in the catalogs.

"Marc" wrote in message
...
I'm involved in a project to replace the teak aft deck on a trawler.
Is there a method of construction that DOES NOT require penetrating
the substrate with screws.

"Marc" wrote in message
...
I'm involved in a project to replace the teak aft deck on a trawler.
Is there a method of construction that DOES NOT require penetrating
the substrate with screws.

Assuming the strucgture is OK, an easy and very effective method is applying
something like DURABAK http://www.nonslipcoating.com/ right over the
existing teak. It can be a DIY application without too much problem and is
extremely durable with minimal ongoing maintenance. Now available in
various colors.

I haven't personally used this product as I wound up with a GB Woodie where
the prior owner had redone the decks with fiberglass (avery nice but I
wouldn't have wanted to pay for it). I've seen the results and read various
user experiences. If I still had teak decks, this is definately the way I
would go.

Luck,
Everett