Teak deck removal or replace

[Myblueheaven]

Anyone with experience with the cost and "need to know''s" on the subject of removing a Teak Deck from a boat like ( mine ) A Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 51? I have some spung areas and the former owner "experimented" with some funky chemicals to renew the teak but it just made it more unsightly and now it is very deteriorated( 13 years in the tropics!).

I was told that Jeanneaus "glued" down thier decks and taking them up, though time consumming, can be done and the fiberglass decking beneath can be cleanned up. So much so that it would be as if the boat never had a teak deck before? No screw holes to fill etc.

Sounds great if it''s true. What are the facts?

Is this true, and who has experience with this procedure in Southern California?

[FalconEddie]

I have done several of these jobs and truly appreciate your apprehension. I have gotten better at it, but the single biggest challenge is to AVOID DAMAGE to the fiberglass below. If the teak is really out of your consideration for repair, the first thing I would do is contact the manufacturer for the likelyhood of a solvent that will dissolve or soften the glue and seam compounds without harming or staining the gelcoat. You may need to provide shade to avoid fast evaporation of solvents prior to their reaching effectiveness. Also, tape off and protect areas adjoining the teak, and only use cheap plastic scrapers against gelcoat. Have a friend from the Great White North ship you some windshield ice scrapers. Once you get the hang of it, it''s just tons of long, grueling hours, endless bags of splintered teak and globs of old sealer and glue, callouses and aching back. Then hire a good gelcoat professional to apply a beautiful, properly segmented non-skid finish where the teak used to be. If the gelcoat is not damaged, they can do the job in one day. Your off sailing and can consider another teak deck sometime in the future, if you want.