Using Starboard for new bowsprit?

[Bruce Dart]

I've seen a couple of CD30s recently where Starboard (West Marine calls it 'Marine Lumber') was used in place of teak for a new bowsprit. Although I love the look of teak (until I have to refinish it, anyway) I thought the bright white material didn't look bad. My concern, though, is its strength. Anyone with any thoughts on how it would stand up to side and compression loads?

[John Stone]

Starboard would not be a good choice. The compression loads on a bow sprit are significant. Starboard is also susceptible to UV degradation over time. Starboard is plastic no matter what West Marine calls it. Teak is good as it is very rot resistant and strong (though it is heavy). While it is expensive you don’t need that much. You are probably look at about 6-7 BF I am guessing. It runs about $25.00 a BF depending on where you buy it. But there are other woods you can use as long as you varnish it and keep it varnished. you could also have one made out of SS tubing (expensive) though it does look different than the plank style and there will be other expenses as most of your CD rollers and kranze iron won’t work well with the SS configuration.

[jepomer]

No. Starboard is not appropriate for a bowsprit. It would snap very quickly under load.

Physical Characteristics of "Starboard"
(http://www.kingplastic.com/products/all ... starboard/)

Properties Units ASTM Nominal Values
Density g/cc D1505 .96
Tensile Strength @ Yield psi D638 >4100
Tensile Modulus psi D638 225,000
Elongation @ Break % D638 >699
Elongation @ Yield % D638 9.8
Flexural Modulus psi D790 185,000
Flexural Stress @ 5% Strain psi D790 3,810
Compressive Properties 10% Strain psi D695 4,950
Durometer Shore D D2240 68
Tensile Impact ft.lbs./in.2 D1822 115
Izod Impact Resistance ft.lbs./in.2 D256 1.1
Brittleness Temp. ºF D746 <-105º
Vicat Softening ºF D1525 253º
Heat Deflection Temp. 66 psi ºF D648 167º
Screw and Nail Withdrawl lbs D1761 657 & 63
Slip Resistance (wet) - D2047

King StarBoard® is the original marine-grade polymer and the industry standard. It is the product of a proprietary process called K-Stran®, the most advanced manufacturing process available for producing consistently flat continuous sheets. King StarBoard® is environmentally stabilized to withstand the harshest marine conditions. It will not rot or discolor like teak and other solid woods, and it will not delaminate like wood laminates. King StarBoard® is easy to work with using standard woodworking tools, and design changes are a snap. In addition, the installed cost of King StarBoard® is less than teak, other common marine woods, and fiberglass. Plus, our large sheet sizes maximize your yield. Boat buyers appreciate King StarBoard’s® low-maintenance finish. Repair and refinishing due to weathering and decay are eliminated, and cleaning is easy. King StarBoard® has a handsome matte finish on both sides to hide scuffs and scratches that would show on glossy textured sheets or acrylics.

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Popular Applications:
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General Applications
Made of the finest polymers available, using our
proprietary K-Stran process for superior flatness and consistency.
Environmentally stabilized for harsh sun and tough marine environments.
Will not rot, swell, splinter or delaminate when exposed to humidity or water.
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Available in large sheets up to 54” x 96” or 48” x 96”.
Custom sheet sizes available.
Shipped with a protective masking on one side.
Proven on thousands of boats and yachts.
Experienced boat builders and boaters know the King StarBoard® brand and trust it more than any other.

[Klem]

I believe that many CD's came with Oak bowsprits as well as teak ones. The bowsprit that I replaced on my boat a few years ago was most definitely white oak and it really looked original to me. I replaced it with white oak, just a little bit thicker and I expect it to go another 30+ years.

[tartansailor]

Starboard is high density polyethylene, the same stuff used to mold milk jugs.
Under load it will deform!

Dick

[marka]

At the risk of being repetative (and therefore predictable), i'm an advocate for using white oak to replace any teak that needs to be replaced.

It's readily available in long lengths, about 20-25% of the cost of teak, glues better, hold screws much better and finishes beautifully. While not quite as rot resistant, it'll last plenty long under all conditions.

[sharkbait]

You might consider cypress heartwood.

Cypress is a popular choice for building construction, posts, beams, decks, docking, porch flooring, greenhouses, siding and stadium seats." Cypress is also used to make caskets, doors, blinds, sash and other types of millwork. Fine grain cypress is used to make custom cabinetry.

Because of its watertight durability, it is also used for cooperage, shingles, in tanks, vats, ship and boat building and to make railroad cars. The heartwood of cypress contains a natural preservative oil which makes it one of the most durable woods for use in exterior applications.

[tartansailor]

I'll second cypress heartwood, especially for rot resistance.