Granted, the headline above—based on the HydraFoam marine decking product—is a bit of a reach. But I’ve seen and, OK, written worse. Still, if the marine decking in your catamaran or center or console has seen better days, you might just want to show up at the November 6 Speed On The Water Key West Bash charity auction and, wallet in hand, bid high on an item supplied by Steve Smarsh of HydraFoam.

The price of beauty is never too high—at least when it comes to your boat and supporting two worthy charities. Photo by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

Using its 6mm polyethylene material, HydraFoam will “re-deck” the sole of the winning bidder’s catamaran, center console or V-bottom sportboat up to 42 feet long. HydraFoam will have the decking material installed through its nearest dealer/installer in the bidder’s area.

That could mean some hauling for the winner. But that’s a small price to pay for beauty, especially when it comes to your boat.

The 12th annual Speed On The Water affair will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pickle’s Pub Sandbar on Greene Street. The auction will begin promptly at 8 p.m.

Proceeds from the auction and other fundraising efforts than evening will be split evenly between the Key West-based Samuel’s House shelter for women and children and AHEC Health Centers, “which provides access to no cost medical and low cost dental care for the school age children of Monroe County (Fla.), no matter their financial circumstances.”

Both Samuel’s House and AHEC Health Centers are 501(c)(3) charities. Winning bidders will be required to pay immediately after the bidding on each auction item closes. No exceptions will be made.