Sailing Umavideo

We spent $10,000 on something Pretty | Step 493

July 19, 2026 · 39 min · 176K views

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Uma installs synthetic teak decking in the cockpit to provide a durable, non-slip surface. After templating the cockpit floor with plastic and Sharpie, they order custom-cut synthetic panels from a supplier in the Netherlands.1:03 To ensure a flat, bubble-free bond, they use a vacuum-bagging technique rather than traditional weights.8:54 They prepare the substrate by scuffing the existing paint and applying a two-part Bostik adhesive.12:25 To prevent glue from squeezing out and complicating the finish, they apply a perimeter bead of Sika 295 UV sealant before vacuuming.13:11 The crew performs the installation at night to avoid high daytime temperatures that could cause the adhesive to cure too quickly.27:27 They use a deburring tool to bevel the edges of the panels for a clean fit.6:37 After 24 hours of curing under vacuum, the panels show consistent adhesion and a weathered teak appearance.21:36

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