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Starboard local?


reefgeek84

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Does anyone local carry starboard? I want to add this to my glass tank on the bottom under the sand, just in case a rock falls or something...so I have a little more added protection to prevent the tank from cracking.

 

I found some online that will match sand color very well, but for the order they charge 15 bucks for the small order fee...so maybe it would be cheaper local.

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FWIW guys, Starboard & Seaboard are not *just* HDPE. They are UV stabilized HDPE, so it resists degradation due to UV radiation. It is designed and generally sold for the boating industry where it's exposed to UV on a daily basis. Because of this, they are superior products for the purpose intended and would explain a shop trying to "sell it up". If you call asking for Starboard or Seaboard, the shop is going to assume you are using for a boat, a purpose for which standard HDPE is ill-suited.

 

James

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FWIW guys, Starboard & Seaboard are not *just* HDPE. They are UV stabilized HDPE, so it resists degradation due to UV radiation. It is designed and generally sold for the boating industry where it's exposed to UV on a daily basis. Because of this, they are superior products for the purpose intended and would explain a shop trying to "sell it up". If you call asking for Starboard or Seaboard, the shop is going to assume you are using for a boat, a purpose for which standard HDPE is ill-suited.

 

James

 

this is very good to know...Do you know anyone who sells it locally?

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I'm sure West Marine does but you'll pay for it :)

I buy mine from local distributors such as Port Plastics, Laird Plastics, etc. I don't think many actually stock it as there's not much call (here) but it is commonly stocked in the Seattle branches so when I need it, I have the distributors transfer it down for me. I usually get the Seaboard, is cheaper and there's no need to get thicker than 1/4" IMO.

 

James

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I'm sure West Marine does but you'll pay for it :)

I buy mine from local distributors such as Port Plastics, Laird Plastics, etc. I don't think many actually stock it as there's not much call (here) but it is commonly stocked in the Seattle branches so when I need it, I have the distributors transfer it down for me. I usually get the Seaboard, is cheaper and there's no need to get thicker than 1/4" IMO.

 

James

 

interesting....I do not suppose you are putting an order in anytime soon?

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Andy,

No, I'm not saying that in any way. I am saying that standard HDPE is ill-suited for boat decking (the purpose for which Starboard & Seaboard were designed), it degrades under constant UV radiation. I'm not sure how long sumberged HDPE takes to degrade nor how much UVB is actually getting to it, so I can't honestly make that assessment. Just trying to explain why a shop may suggest or "sell up" Starboard & Seaboard. There are distinct differences between plain HDPE and the Starbard/Seaboard, whether the differences are important for our purposes is subject to debate/opinion.

 

Of course getting "sandshade" colored HDPE is not easy unless you get the one of the 2 mentioned brands above :)

 

James

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Reefgeek,

I rarely use it as acrylic has plenty of impact resistance so don't worry about it for that purpose. The only times I have used it is when a customer wants a sandshade colored barebottom tank, then I'll order it. Getting acrylic custom made for this purpose is prohibitively expensive.

 

James

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