In a yacht’s structure, the sub-deck floor serves as the “skeleton” of the entire deck and supports the surface flooring (e.g., EVA foam). It must withstand multiple loads from the movement of people, furniture, and equipment, and must possess sufficient rigidity and load-bearing capacity to avoid bending or collapse. Furthermore, given the complex and ever-changing marine environment, the sub-deck floor must also be resistant to moisture, salt spray, and corrosion to ensure the long-term, safe, and reliable operation of the yacht.
Release Fabric Glass Fiber Reinforced PET Foam Sandwich Panels
Glass fiber reinforced PET foam sandwich panels, with their unique sandwich structure and material properties, have become an ideal choice for the lower decks of modern yachts. They offer lightweight, waterproof, high strength, and environmentally friendly properties, making them particularly well-suited for mid- to high-end yachts.
Structural Composition
- Nylon Release Fabric: Protects the subfloor during installation and transport and can be easily removed during use, ensuring seamless bonding to the surface layer (EVA foam or other materials).
- PET foam core: Lightweight, non-toxic, and recyclable, it offers excellent water resistance and compressive strength, making it a core material that balances environmental performance with performance.
- Fiberglass sheet (FRP layer): Provides a strong protective outer layer with excellent water resistance, tear resistance, and fatigue resistance, ensuring long-term load-bearing and deformation resistance.
Superior Performance
- Lightweight: Lighter than traditional wood substrates.
- High Strength: Sandwich structure design provides excellent bending and compressive strength.
- Waterproof and Moisture-Proof: Closed-cell PET foam and FRP layers provide dual protection against seawater penetration and humid environments.
- Corrosion-Resistant: Resists rot and mildew over long periods of use, suitable for harsh marine environments.
- Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable: PET is derived from recyclable resources, further aligning with environmental sustainability trends.
Application Scenarios
- Main Deck Subfloor.
- Cockpit Floor.
- Cabin Floor Substrate.
- Swim Platform Substrate.
PET Foam Sandwich Panel vs Marine Plywood
| Performance Indicator | PET Foam Sandwich Panel | Marine Plywood |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight (density 60–120 kg/m³), reduces hull weight, improves speed and fuel efficiency | Relatively heavy, increases hull burden |
| Strength & Stiffness | High, excellent bending and compressive strength due to sandwich structure | High, but strength decreases over time due to moisture |
| Water Resistance | Excellent, closed-cell structure, non-absorbent | Moderate, requires epoxy or waterproof coating |
| Corrosion Resistance | High, resistant to moisture, salt spray, and mold | Medium, susceptible to moisture, rot, and mildew |
| Weather Resistance | High, UV resistant, withstands temperature and humidity changes | Medium, prone to cracking and deformation |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent, good energy absorption, not brittle | Good, but decreases under high humidity |
| Flame Retardancy | Optional flame-retardant grades, compliant with IMO / SOLAS standards | Average, requires additional flame-retardant treatment |
| Environmental Friendliness | Recyclable, eco-friendly | Poor, high wood resource consumption |
| Service Life | ≥20 years, low maintenance cost | 5–10 years, requires frequent protection and maintenance |
| Cost | Medium, cost-effective | Low, suitable for economical applications |
| Typical Applications | Mid-to-high-end yacht decks, lightweight ship structures | Traditional yachts, economical hull structures |
TOPOLO – Marine Composite Panel Manufacturer
TOPOLO is a professional marine composite panel manufacturer in China, specializing in the design, development, and production of high-performance sandwich panels for yachts, boats, and other marine applications. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality control, TOPOLO delivers durable, lightweight, and water-resistant panels that meet international marine standards.