What is King Starboard?
King Starboard is the original and leading marine-grade polymer sheet material designed specifically for boat building. Engineered to work like wood but last a lifetime, it has become the preferred choice for parts traditionally made from teak. It's completely resistant to rot and delamination, making it virtually maintenance-free in marine environments.
This innovative material is UV and environmentally stabilized, ensuring long-lasting performance in harsh conditions. Fabricators appreciate that it can be worked with standard woodworking tools, offering the familiarity of wood with superior durability. Available in multiple colors and thicknesses, King Starboard has earned the trust of leading OEM suppliers like Teak Isle Mfg. and professional boat builders worldwide.
What can I make with King Starboard?
In marine applications, King Starboard excels as a material for structural and functional components. Common marine uses include access doors, hatches, center console doors, and transom doors. It's perfect for creating storage solutions like tackle units and drawer systems. On-deck applications include swim platforms, dive platforms, rod holders, and electronics mounting systems.
Beyond the marine industry, King Starboard has found numerous applications in other outdoor and commercial settings. It's an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens, cabinetry, and furniture like benches and Adirondack chairs. The material's durability makes it ideal for commercial applications such as playground equipment, bathroom partitions, medical carts, and pool equipment. Its weather-resistant properties and professional appearance also make it perfect for outdoor signage and locker systems.
What are the limitations of King Starboard?
Adhesive Resistance: The most important limitation to understand is that King Starboard cannot be reliably glued. While some may suggest various adhesive solutions, our extensive testing has shown that mechanical fasteners are the only dependable method for assembly. We strongly recommend using mechanical fasteners for all King Starboard installations.
Paint Incompatibility: The second limitation is that King Starboard cannot be painted. The material's surface properties prevent paint adhesion, and any applied paint will eventually peel away. Instead, the material comes in pre-colored options to match your needs.
Structural Considerations: The third limitation relates to structural rigidity. While incredibly durable and nearly impossible to break, King Starboard exhibits more flexibility than wood of similar thickness. For applications requiring additional rigidity, metal stiffeners may be necessary to maintain structural integrity.
Do I need additional support or stiffeners for my project?
There unfortunately is not universal advice that can be applied without project context. It depends on material thickness, unsupported span width, required performance & more. Fortunately we have a 20+ person engineering team who designs and fabricates King Starbaord component parts all day long. For project specific guidance, we encourage you to contact our technical experts at 866-633-7961. Our team can help evaluate your particular needs and recommend appropriate support solutions to ensure your project's success.
Why purchase King Starboard through Boat Outfitters?
As a division of Teak Isle, the marine industry's largest consumer of King Starboard, we supply over 350 boat builders with OEM parts. Whether you need a simple cover plate or complex storage unit, our extensive experience means we've already engineered and fabricated similar solutions. Our daily CNC cutting operation ensures professional, clean-edge results with quick turnaround times.
