Flexiteek at Southampton Boat Show 2026: Discover Our Decking Across the Show
From high-performance sports boats and cruising yachts to RIBs, catamarans and jet tenders, the Southampton International Boat Show brings together some of the most exciting names in boating. This year, Flexiteek has a strong presence across the show, with leading boat builders showcasing a selection of boats fitted with Flexiteek decking.
Taking place from 18 to 27 September 2026, Southampton Boat Show is one of the key events in the UK marine calendar, and Flexiteek will once again be there to meet boat owners, builders, marine professionals and fellow boating enthusiasts.
Find us alongside our UK distributors at H44, where the team will be ready to talk all things synthetic marine decking, including the latest generation of Flexiteek 3.
The UK Boating Market
Cautious confidence in a changing market
The UK boating market is entering 2026 with a mixture of uncertainty and optimism. IBI’s latest market review highlights several factors affecting consumer confidence, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical events and changes in the UK political landscape. At the same time, forecasters expect the UK economy to grow by around 1% in 2026, which would make it the fastest-growing G7 economy in Europe.
For the boating industry, 2026 is largely a continuation of the conditions seen previously. New-boat sales remain relatively flat, while there are more positive signs in the used-boat market. IBI reports growing optimism around used boats, alongside evidence that more owners are choosing to invest in their existing vessels rather than replace them. This is supporting activity across servicing, maintenance and refit.
Weather has also played a role in boating activity during 2026. Extended periods of hot weather and heatwaves have encouraged people to get out on the water and spend, supporting activity across recreational boating and marine tourism. At the same time, prolonged dry conditions have created challenges on the UK’s inland waterways, with low water levels affecting some navigation along canals.
Despite these pressures, interest in boating remains strong. Research from Savanta, based on a representative sample of 12,114 UK adults at the end of 2025, found that more than three-quarters had participated in at least one watersport or coastal activity during the year.
Owners are choosing to invest, not replace
As consumers become more considered about major purchases, existing boats and used boats are becoming an increasingly valuable part of the UK boating market.
IBI’s 2026 market coverage points to an uplift in used-boat activity and growing optimism, with owners increasingly investing in their current boats. This creates opportunities for businesses providing repair, maintenance, refurbishment and upgrades, allowing owners to extend the life of their vessels while improving their boating experience.
For Flexiteek, this creates opportunities across both new-build and refit. Local fabrication, installation expertise and synthetic teak decking can provide a practical way for owners to refresh an existing vessel, while also supporting manufacturers incorporating decking into new projects.
Sustainability moves further into the mainstream
Sustainability is also becoming an increasingly important consideration across the marine industry. IBI’s 2026 coverage highlights growing interest in lighter and more sustainable decking alternatives, alongside wider innovation designed to make boating more accessible and environmentally responsible.
For manufacturers and suppliers, this means sustainability is increasingly being considered alongside performance, design, durability and ownership experience.
This focus is also increasingly visible at major industry events. The 2026 Southampton International Boat Show, which runs from 18 to 27 September, is showcasing more than 700 marine brands and 500 watercraft, with new marine technology and lower-impact solutions forming part of the wider programme.
The show’s approach to sustainability also extends beyond the products on display. Southampton International Boat Show has introduced a range of environmental measures covering exhibitors, waste, plastics, travel and resource use, building on its previous environmental commitments. Its programme also highlights green technology and low-emission boating, helping to bring sustainability into the wider conversation with both the industry and boating public.
Flexiteek is part of this wider conversation through Flexiteek 3, which uses bio-attributed PVC as a lower-impact alternative within the synthetic decking market. Visitors to the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show can meet the Flexiteek team at Stand H44 to explore Flexiteek 3, its range of colours and finishes, and decking solutions for new-build and refit projects.
Boats to See at Southampton Boat Show 2026
Not only does this show give you the opportunity to meet the Flexiteek team, but it also offers you one of the best ways to experience Flexiteek, seeing it fitted to a boat. At this year’s show, visitors will have the opportunity to see Flexiteek across an impressive variety of boats.
Viknes Boats
At Stand M337, visitors can see the Viknes 10 and Viknes S35 Panorama.
Viknes is known for building practical, capable motorboats designed for comfortable boating in all conditions. The Viknes 10 and S35 Panorama combine Scandinavian design with versatile layouts, making them well suited to owners who want to spend plenty of time on the water.
Both boats feature Flexiteek decking, demonstrating how synthetic teak can combine the traditional appearance of teak with a durable, low-maintenance finish.
Windy Boats
Over at Stands M149 and M150, you’ll find two performance-focused models from Windy Boats, the Windy 34 Alizé and Windy SR40.
Windy has built a reputation around Scandinavian design, performance and craftsmanship, and these boats are designed to deliver an exciting experience on the water without compromising on comfort.
With Flexiteek fitted to both models, visitors can see how the decking complements the clean, contemporary styling of Windy’s boats while providing a practical surface for life onboard.
Virtue Yachts
At Stand M022, look out for the Virtue V10.
Designed with performance and modern boating in mind, the V10 features a distinctive design and a hull developed for speed and efficiency. Flexiteek decking onboard exemplifies how synthetic teak integrates into a modern, design-led boat.
Highfield Boats
At Stand P48, visitors can see an extensive selection from Highfield Boats, including the ADV7, ADV9, Classic 340, Coaster 540, Sport 700 and Ultralite 290.
Highfield’s range covers everything from compact tenders to larger, adventure-focused RIBs. Seeing Flexiteek across such a varied selection of boats highlights just how adaptable synthetic decking can be.
Whether it’s a lightweight tender or a larger RIB designed for adventure, Flexiteek provides a durable, easy-to-maintain surface that can handle the demands of life on the water.
Fountaine Pajot
You can find the Fountaine Pajot FP44 at Stand M841.
As a larger cruising catamaran, the FP44 provides a very different platform for Flexiteek. With generous exterior areas designed for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying life at sea, the deck is an important part of the overall experience.
Flexiteek brings the appearance of traditional teak to these spaces, combined with the durability and straightforward maintenance of a modern synthetic material.
Pardo Yachts
Italian boatbuilding is represented by Pardo Yachts, with the Pardo 38 on Stand M507.
The Pardo 38 combines sleek Italian styling with generous outdoor living spaces, creating a boat designed for spending time on the water in style. Flexiteek adds the familiar warmth and visual appeal of teak while offering the practical benefits expected from a modern synthetic decking solution.
Arcona Yachts
At Stand M440, visitors can see the Arcona 435 Mk II.
Arcona has earned renown for its performance sailing yachts, combining speed and sailing ability with the comfort required for cruising. The 435 Mk II continues that philosophy, and its Flexiteek decking exemplifies another example of synthetic teak being used on a performance-oriented sailing yacht.
Williams Jet Tenders collaborate with Flexiteek
Williams Jet Tenders will also play an important role in the Flexiteek presence at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, with the TurboJet 285 displayed on the Flexiteek stand, giving visitors the chance to see the decking up close.
Visitors can also explore a selection of Williams Jet Tenders on the Williams stand, including the SportJet 345, SportJet 395, SportJet 435, TurboJet 280MX and TurboJet 320MX, all fitted with Flexiteek decking.
Williams Jet Tenders are built for life on the water, with their decks regularly exposed to water, passengers, and the demands of everyday use. As a result, the decking needs to combine durability and practicality with the premium finish expected of a high-performance tender.
Having a Williams Jet Tender on the Flexiteek stand gives visitors the opportunity to see the decking up close and experience how Flexiteek performs in a real-world application. It also demonstrates how synthetic teak can complement the premium finish and high-performance design of Williams Jet Tenders.
Flexiteek 3: The Latest Evolution in Synthetic Boat Decking
While Southampton Boat Show 2026 is an opportunity to see Flexiteek fitted to a wide variety of boats, it is also a chance to discover what makes the latest generation of Flexiteek different.
Flexiteek 3 is the latest evolution in synthetic boat decking, designed to look and feel like real teak while delivering outstanding durability and performance.
One of the key developments is the use of bio-attributed PVC, replacing fossil-fuel-based PVC with tall oil, a by-product of managed forestry. This approach can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared with traditional fossil-fuel-based PVC used in synthetic decking.
Not only is Flexiteek 3 more environmentally conscious, but independent international heat testing shows that Flexiteek 3 cools up to 30% faster than other composite decking.
Alongside this, it offers UV stability, weather resistance, easy cleaning and outstanding anti-fungal properties. The result is a low-maintenance decking solution designed to keep looking good while spending less time maintaining it.
Discover the Tritone Range
Visitors can also discover the Tritone range, Flexiteek’s original multi-colour plank decking.
Available in Teak, Scrubbed and Ash, Tritone combines light and dark tones within each plank to create a more natural, varied appearance. The subtle variation between planks gives the finished deck a characterful, lived-in look, similar to the way a traditional teak deck develops different tones and patina as it ages.
For boat owners who love the classic elegance of teak but want a deck with more depth and individuality, Tritone offers a distinctive alternative. The variation in colour helps break up the uniform appearance of a conventional synthetic teak deck, creating a finish that feels more natural and established from the moment it is installed.
Supporting the UK Marine Market
Southampton Boat Show has a particularly important connection to Flexiteek.
Flexiteek has been exhibiting at the show for many years, building strong connections with the UK marine industry and meeting the people who design, build, own and enjoy boats.
With Flexiteek’s headquarters in Essex, the UK remains an important market for the company. The Southampton-based show provides a unique opportunity to meet customers and industry partners face to face, while also seeing the breadth of boats being fitted with Flexiteek across the UK market.
Our presence is also supported by specialist UK distributors and partners, including Advanced Marine Decking (AMD) and Sea-Dek.
Based in Hamble, AMD is one of the UK’s leading marine decking specialists and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. As a Flexiteek distributor and fabrication and installation partner, AMD works with boat owners and OEM boat builders to deliver precision-fitted synthetic decking.
SeaDek also brings extensive experience in bespoke marine decking, working with boat owners and builders to create tailored solutions designed around individual boats and their owners.
Together with Flexiteek, our partners help bring the latest developments in synthetic marine decking to the UK market.
Come and Meet the Flexiteek Team
For us, Southampton International Boat Show is about much more than displaying products. It’s an opportunity to meet the people behind the boats, talk about new projects and help boat owners find the right decking solution for their needs.
Whether you’re looking for a replacement deck, specifying decking for a new boat or simply interested in seeing what modern synthetic teak can offer, come and speak to the Flexiteek team and our UK distribution partners at H44.
You’ll also be able to see Flexiteek in action across some of the show’s boats, from Viknes and Windy to Pardo, Highfield, Fountaine Pajot, Arcona, Virtue and Williams Jet Tenders.
Southampton International Boat Show 2026 runs from 18 to 27 September.
Book your tickets today and come and discover Flexiteek at the show.
Written and edited by Phoebe Maxted.
