non-slip deck

[UAE marine]

hi all

i'm building a 24' boat and i'm wondering how to make a non-skid deck
some people told to use sand but i think it will not be that nice
please advise me

thanks

[PAR]

Sand is a well tried and true material, used in countless deck coatings around the world. There are other materials like sea shells, walnut shells, bits of shredded rubber and plastics, plus a host other homemade brews.

Do a search for deck coatings, non skid, anti slip, etc. and see what comes up. I know I've talked about the process before as have many others.

[Gilmarine]

Sand is not of preference. If the deck is made in a mold, the anti-skid pattern is made by a plastic fabric with stripes, squares or holes (such as a fabric used for car seats) glued to the plug. When the mold is made, the reverse pattern is molded permanently into the mold surface. I can recommend standard fabrics suitable for non-skid surfaces that works for us. www.geocities.com/gilmarine2003/

[PAR]

Most folks building a boat aren't going to cast some texture into the laminate, they'll use paint and this was my guess. Molded non slip is good stuff, but for production work, as it requires fore thought and planning, neither of which most backyard built boats have a bunch of.

In construction methods other then GRP molded non skid is more trouble then its worth, considering the ease of applying paint with the sand already included or putting sand over wet paint as other options.

I would use Intergrip or Griptex or something similar. Sand is so abrasive that you will have a hard time removing it with sandpaper if you need to touch up or make repairs.

[Herman]

You can consider contacting Gibco Flexmold for this. They specialised in anti-skid surfaces. They produce flexible sheets which you can use for that.

Gibco Flexmold
001-817-236-5021 tel
gibco [at] swbell [dot] net

[Danielsan]

I went to the flexmold product catalog they have it at www.brandscomposiet.nl

but i think it is rather expensive around 220EUR for 1 square meter?

greetz

Daniel

[Herman]

Please disregard the price list, Flexmold is rather tricky to catch in a price per m2. Better ask for a quote.

[Danielsan]

so you tell I should inform somewhere else? At Brands they only sell it per 1m2 do you have another place where I could find them?

[Herman]

We don't sell only per m2. actually, we sell by the foot. Possible sizes:

2'x2'
2'x4'
2'x6'
2'x8'
2'x10'
2'x12'
3'x4'
3'x6'
3'x8'
3'x10'
3'x12'
4'x4'
4'x6'
4'x8'
4'x10'
4'x12'

But remember, there are several patterns which have smaller sheet sizes. Please inform maximum size and lowest price for your favourite pattern.

[conchman]

You may wnat to look at SeaDek for non skid. It is a EVA foam with a peel and stick backing. Works very well on most decks and is soft to your feet. Go to their website - www.Seadek.com

[J Ralph]

BLACK BEAUTY SAND BLASTING POWDER WORKS WELL ON COMMERCIAL BOATS.we HAVE FIBERGLASS COVERED PLYWOOD DECKS AND WHEN THE NO-SKID WEARS OFF,A QUICK SAND JOB,PUT DOWN NEW GEL-COAT AND SPRINKLE ON THE BLASTING POWDER

[FAST FRED]

If you want a CHEAP very pretty and pro look find some cotton insect screening with a large weave.

Outline the area to be treated , iron the cotton and lay it on top and trace , then cut it to match the deck.

Paint the area with colored 2 part epoxy paint with a roller and then lay on the screening.

Roll thinly again.

For the paint will be drawn into the cotton , and a fine looking and working no skid results. Looks like the sole of a Boston whaler

For repair , simple sanding will remove everything ( its only paint) so you can do it again if needed.

Sanding Sand based no skid has mixed results , commercials just glop on a new coat , but what looks great on the loading dock of an oil rig , might not be too yachty.

FAST FRED

[caribmon]

Don't use sand... I used some from one a fine white Caribbean beach once - blended in with a two part epoxy - and the deck ended up being like sandpaper. Losing balance and coming down on one's knee results in nasty flesh wounds.

Try a medium grid skidless compound or non-skid glass beads.

[Arrowmarine]

I agree with not using sand for the same reasons as caribmon. The spray on truck bed liner stuff may be an option. Ive seen some pretty nice applications of that stuff.