As per our Shipping and Returns Policy, custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-returnable. If you need an over- or undersized item, note it under "Comments" during Checkout. Cut-to-size orders have an acceptable cut tolerance of 1/8" (0.125"), so clarify if the adjustment is to be made on the (+) or (-) side of the saw blade.Please review our full return and shipping policy here.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Since custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-refundable, be very careful while measuring your dimensions. As each cut is nominal, even the slightest miscalculation could be costly.
How to Use a Measuring Tape
Extend your tape measure several inches to find the 1 and 2 inch markers. In between the inch markers you’ll find 16 equally spaced tick marks.
Measure by counting the increments beyond the nearest inch. As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, 1/2" has a bigger mark than 1/4" which has a bigger mark than 1/8". The smallest mark follows at 1/16". Please be aware that some measuring tapes may have even smaller increments.
Features of a Measuring Tape: Sliding End Hook
The sliding end hook is designed for two different types of measurements. An outside measurement (where the hook of the tape hangs over an edge), requires the hook to slide out a bit to account for the thickness of the material. When making an inside measurement (where the hook will push up against a surface), the clip slides in, again, accounting for its thickness. The measuring tape self-adjusts to guarantee an accurate measurement (as far as the tape is concerned).
Sanitizing Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sheet [X]
Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sneeze Guards and like products require special care while cleaning and disinfecting. To maintain the optical clarity of sneeze guards and other acrylic or polycarbonate items, use an acrylic or polycarbonate safe cleaner like Novus Plastic Polish #1, Brillianize Plastic Cleaner, or a mild soap solution.
Please reference the following compatible cleaners when DISINFECTING acrylic and polycarbonate items. The use of commonly available commercial alcohol or ammonia-based disinfectants may cause crazing and damage.
UV-Stabilized & Moisture-Resistant Dolphin Gray HDPE for Marine Environments
Dolphin Gray HDPE Marine Board is designed for marine and outdoor fabrication where exposure to sunlight, moisture, and saltwater makes traditional wood products difficult to maintain. This lightweight thermoplastic combines UV stabilization with the low moisture absorption and toughness of HDPE for boat components, cabinetry, storage, trim, and other exposed applications.
The neutral Dolphin Gray color provides a clean alternative to white or black marine board and works well with many contemporary marine interiors, consoles, and equipment installations. Unlike wood-based panels, Marine Board does not require painting or sealing and is designed to resist swelling, rotting, splintering, and delamination in wet environments.
Looking for another color or a recognized marine-grade brand? We also offer Black HDPE Marine Board as well as premium King StarBoard® grades in multiple colors.
Why Choose This Specific Sheet?
Dolphin Gray HDPE Marine Board combines the practical benefits of marine-oriented HDPE with a versatile medium-gray appearance. Choose this material when your project needs:
Saltwater & Moisture Resistance:
Low moisture absorption helps avoid the swelling, rotting, and delamination associated with wood-based materials in wet marine environments.
UV-Stabilized Outdoor Performance:
Environmental stabilization helps reduce the effects of prolonged sunlight and weather exposure on the polymer.
Dolphin Gray Color:
A neutral medium-gray appearance complements many marine interiors, consoles, cabinetry systems, and equipment installations without requiring paint.
Textured, Low-Maintenance Surface:
The textured finish helps make routine scuffs and handling marks less noticeable while providing a surface that is straightforward to clean.
Fabrication-Friendly HDPE:
Can be cut, routed, drilled, and shaped with common woodworking equipment for custom marine components and replacement parts.
Marine Board vs. King StarBoard®: Which Do You Need?
Both options are HDPE-based materials intended for demanding marine and outdoor environments, but purchasing requirements may differ by project:
Choose Dolphin Gray HDPE Marine Board (This Sheet) when you need an economical, UV-stabilized gray HDPE sheet for general marine cabinetry, hatches, trim, storage components, console parts, and other properly supported non-structural fabrications.
Choose King StarBoard® when your specification calls for a recognized marine-grade HDPE brand, documented King Plastic properties, coordinated factory colors, or specialized products such as anti-skid StarBoard® A/S or lightweight StarBoard® XL.
Fabrication & Machining
Dolphin Gray HDPE Marine Board can be cut, routed, drilled, and shaped with common woodworking tools. Allow adequate clearance for HDPE's thermal expansion when fitting parts that will experience temperature changes. Since polyethylene has low surface energy, standard adhesives generally provide limited bond strength; mechanical fasteners or plastic-welding methods are typically preferred where secure attachment is required.
Handling: Cut sheets may have sharp edges. We recommend wearing protective gloves when unpacking and handling this material to ensure safety.
Suitability: We take pride in the quality of our materials as they leave our facility. However, because every project is unique, we cannot account for how materials are modified, stored, or used after delivery. Please perform the necessary tests to ensure this material is right for your specific application and end-use conditions.
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Technical Performance
Dolphin Gray HDPE Marine Board is a UV-stabilized polyethylene sheet intended for marine and outdoor applications where moisture resistance, impact toughness, chemical resistance, and low-maintenance construction are important.
Moisture Resistance:
HDPE absorbs very little water, helping the sheet maintain its integrity in wet environments without the swelling, rotting, or delamination associated with wood-based panels.
Environmental Stability:
UV stabilization helps the material tolerate prolonged outdoor exposure and reduces the risk of premature polymer degradation from sunlight.
Impact Toughness:
The material can tolerate routine bumps and handling encountered in cabinetry, hatches, trim, storage systems, and other properly supported marine components.
Key Properties
Easy to Machine:
Cuts, drills, and routes with common woodworking equipment, making it practical for custom panels and replacement components fabricated in the shop or in the field.
Chemical Resistance:
HDPE resists many common acids, bases, alcohols, cleaners, and marine chemicals, although chemical compatibility should be confirmed for concentrated or unusual substances.
Low Maintenance:
The Dolphin Gray appearance is integral to the sheet rather than dependent on a painted surface, reducing the need for routine sealing, painting, or refinishing.
Heat Formability:
Can be heat-formed into bends or gradual curves using controlled heating and suitable fixturing.
Common Applications
Boat Components: Hatches, access doors, console panels, cover rails, trim pieces, and other wood-replacement components exposed to marine conditions.
Marine Cabinetry & Storage: Cabinet panels, locker doors, shelving, tackle-storage systems, and equipment enclosures where moisture resistance and easy cleaning are priorities.
Work & Preparation Surfaces: Bait-preparation stations, washdown-area components, marine utility surfaces, and outdoor work areas that benefit from non-wood construction.
Outdoor Fabrication: Equipment panels, furniture components, signs, utility enclosures, and non-structural fixtures exposed to rain, humidity, and sunlight.
Engineering Limitations & Alternatives
Dolphin Gray HDPE Marine Board is used in many marine and outdoor fabrications, but its thermal expansion, surface characteristics, and standard texture can make other materials more appropriate for certain designs:
Tight Machining Tolerances: HDPE expands and contracts more with temperature changes than dimensionally stable engineering plastics, so it is generally not preferred for precision parts that must hold very tight tolerances across a wide temperature range. Better Alternative: For precision-machined components requiring greater dimensional stability, consider Acetal.
Dedicated Anti-Skid Surfaces: The standard textured marine-board finish should not be treated as a substitute for a purpose-designed anti-skid walking surface where slip resistance is a primary safety requirement. Better Alternative: For marine steps, walkways, and other applications requiring a dedicated traction surface, consider King StarBoard® A/S.
