Brighterworks: synthetic brightwork alternative

Paul Hoffman was showing off some of this material at the Seattle Boat Show today (East 1132).

Brighterworks custom-fabricates companionways, caprails, grab rails, and tables for sailboats and motor yachts using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a highly uv-resistant, super hard plastic made specifically for the marine industry by Seaboard.

Whether your brightwork is made of teak, mahogany, brass or stainless, they can replace it with well-crafted, low-maintenance “brighterwork”.

I was impressed with the workmanship, and on some boats this could be a really nice alternative to wood, especially if you’re not too attached to your teak. But make no mistake: your first impression is going to be “This is plastic wood!” If that’s going to offend your sensibilities, this is not a product for you. For many of us who would rather not refinish it every year or two, though, this could be a perfectly acceptable alternative.