Forest River Marine's Z42 Composite Decking
Z42 composite decking is found in all three Forest River Marines pontoon brands - South Bay, Berkshire & Trifecta. With Shared technology from the Forest River RV business, the Z42 pontoon decking is a seamless, one-piece composite deck that is chemically bonded and bolted to the aluminum frame of the boat. The Z42 is 40% lighter and 2X stronger than marine plywood, which makes it more expensive than plywood; however, this change in expense is offset by a more efficient installation process.
By reducing the weight and increasing the strength of the deck, the boat’s horsepower to weight ratio performance comparison is significantly better than any boat built with plywood. Plywood boats weigh more at time of construction (APPROX 10-15% MORE) and continue to increase in weight throughout the course of that boat’s lifetime since wood absorbs water. This absorption ultimately damages the overall performance of the boat and engine by reducing top end speed, slowing hole shot, and causing a decrease in fuel efficiency. Additionally, the structural integrity of the deck and the boat’s frame itself are compromised as water continues to penetrate between the layers of plywood.
With the Z42 being impermeable to water, the floor will then never freeze and delaminate, like plywood will, and the boat will maintain the same weight from when it is built for the rest of its existence.
When the added benefits of fully waterproof composite decking are combined with pressurized pontoons, the Forest River product will outperform any of the competition in class. This combination results in a more durable, fuel efficient and faster pontoon.
Regarding credentials, Forest River holds the world record for the fastest stock production boat in the pontoon industry.
Feature → Benefit
2x stronger than plywood → increased structural rigidity for higher performance, more fuel efficiency.
40% lighter than plywood → lighter = more performance, more fuel efficiency. (The boat is approx. 10% lighter than the competition).
Composite material → cannot absorb moisture and become heavier, will not freeze, and, therefore, will not delaminate.
Composite compression → all bolt through fasteners will not loosen over time, unlike wood that will compress without any elasticity to stay tight: meaning, there is loose fencing and loosening of through bolted items over time on a wood boat.
One piece, seamless → vinyl flooring will never detach from the decking and will always look the same as new, unlike boats with seams.
One piece, seamless → no seams mean less parts and more strength.
Bolt through decking → most secure process in the industry, stainless bolts and locking nuts. Not screwed.
If you would like to learn more about the composite flooring in South Bay, Berkshire & Trifecta pontoons, contact your local marine specialist today, or shop our in-stock pontoon boats.
