D.I.Y. DECKING      On many of the boats we tour, decking is made of teak and holly or another wood combo. Other times it’s cork, and in some cases flooring is created from synthetic materials. PlasTEAK, a company whose booth I visited at the Miami boat show, manufactures synthetic teak products from 100 percent recycled plastic and offers a wonderful alternative to the real deal.      In addition to its PlasTEAK products, the company now makes PlasDECK, another synthetic material that’s designed for the do-it-yourselfers in the cruising community. Company reps say PlasDECK is long lasting, resilient, a breeze to maintain, and best of all, easy to install.      The new PlasDECK 500 Series has a shiplap profile created for on-site decking installation. The traditional woodworking method of shiplap allows a seamless joint between each section of PlasDECK. The company’s website has complete “how-to” instructions, including a list of the tools needed and a helpful video. I watched how easy it was to snap two pieces of decking together, and with the extra resources PlasDECK provides, I could easily envision any owner undertaking a deck replacement project with this product.      PlasDECK is available in 32-foot rolls; there’s a 6-inch width with three planks for straight areas and a 2-inch width with one plank for curved decks. The two sizes are compatible, so they can be used together as needed during installation.      If you’re looking for new your decking, consider this environmentally friendly product. Visit plasdeck.us, email info@plasdeck.com, or call 800.320.1841 for more.—N.F. SNACKS OR MEALS COOKED IN A JIFFY      A microwave oven is great for making popcorn, but some of us forget that microwaves also do well at turning out full meals. Now, InterCon Marketing of Sarasota, Florida, offers a compact micro that’s a good fit for boats or recreational vehicles and can heat snacks and dinners quickly.      The Contoure (contoure.com) space-saver oven operates on 120VAC with 700 watts of power. It measures 17 inches wide, 10 inches high, and 14 inches deep. A digital keypad offers 10 power levels for preparing snacks, a cup of coffee, pizza, or a frozen dinner.      The Contoure CM7060S retails for $159.—R.M.L. NEW PANAMA RESORT DESTINATION      Boaters who like to blend adventurous cruising with luxurious ports of call will find a new destination in Panama in the near future: Portones del Mar Yacht Club and Resort on the Punta Chame peninsula, 50 miles southeast of Panama City.      Construction is scheduled to begin this year on the r...

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