Best material for deck wall on 1983 Catalina 381 hardtop

[Jaco_b]

I'm putting a hardtop on my 1983 Catalina 381 and want to swap out the deck's outer wall. Thinking about using a 1/4-inch plastic sheet but not sure if ABS, PVC, or polyethylene is best. Any recommendations?

 

[MightyBuck]

I'd go with 1/4in polyethylene, like King Starboard. It's tough, UV resistant, and doesnt absorb water at all, which makes it perfect for marine use. ABS can warp in the sun, and PVC tends to get brittle over time, so polyethylene is usually the most reliable choice for the long haul imo.

 

[Shealtiel_]

ABS is usually the go-to for durability and impact resistance on boats, but PVC and polyethylene can work too,ABS offers better rigidity, so I'd lean that way for your Catalina

 

[Jaco_b]

I'd go with 1/4in polyethylene, like King Starboard. It's tough, UV resistant, and doesnt absorb water at all, which makes it perfect for marine use. ABS can warp in the sun, and PVC tends to get brittle over time, so polyethylene is usually the most reliable choice for the long haul imo.

I've heard King Starboard is popular for marine panels, do you know if it's easy to cut and shape for curved areas on the Catalina? and any tips on fastening it securely to the deck?

 

[Jaco_b]

ABS is usually the go-to for durability and impact resistance on boats, but PVC and polyethylene can work too,ABS offers better rigidity, so I'd lean that way for your Catalina

I'm a bit worried about ABS warping in the sun though since the hardtop will get a lot of direct sunlight, do you think ABS will hold up long-term? Or would the rigidity be worth the risk compared to polyethylene's UV resistance?

 

[Lemuel ter]

I've heard King Starboard is popular for marine panels, do you know if it's easy to cut and shape for curved areas on the Catalina? and any tips on fastening it securely to the deck?

Its pretty user friendly and you can cut it with regular woodworking tools and shape it with a jigsaw for curves. Just remember it doesn't take glue well, so use screws/bolts with fender washers or backing plates to keep it tight