The grey non skid in my cockpit on my Hunter 37 is full of tiny hairline cracks. I would like to repair it. Any one know how?? What materials are required and also how would I reproduce the non skid pattern? Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Barrie
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Don't bother
What you're seeing is crazing from stress (probably people jumping around in the cockpit!). If you actually take the time and effort to fix all those little cracks correctly, you'll only find more popping out. And you REALLY don't want to bother fixing them correctly. Another suggestion might be to use something like Treadmaster, which I personally think is unattractive. Better yet, consider them part of your boat's "character".
LaDonna
What you're seeing is crazing from stress (probably people jumping around in the cockpit!). If you actually take the time and effort to fix all those little cracks correctly, you'll only find more popping out. And you REALLY don't want to bother fixing them correctly. Another suggestion might be to use something like Treadmaster, which I personally think is unattractive. Better yet, consider them part of your boat's "character".
LaDonnanon skid repair
the proper way to fix non skid gelcoat is to make a reverse mold. coat the gelcoat with a release agent. Then layup some galss and epoxy over the area. then remove the glass and epoxy. This will now have a reverse image of your non skid area. now grind all the damaged gelcoat off the cockpit floor. coat your reverse mold with release agent. apply new gelcoat and use the reverse mold to create the new non skid. remove the mold and enjoy. As you can see this is a huge awful job so take LaDonna's advice.
the proper way to fix non skid gelcoat is to make a reverse mold. coat the gelcoat with a release agent. Then layup some galss and epoxy over the area. then remove the glass and epoxy. This will now have a reverse image of your non skid area. now grind all the damaged gelcoat off the cockpit floor. coat your reverse mold with release agent. apply new gelcoat and use the reverse mold to create the new non skid. remove the mold and enjoy. As you can see this is a huge awful job so take LaDonna's advice.
I've done this to repair...
Opened up large cracks with a sharp edged can opener point, filled with gel coat repair - two coats of primer - two coats of deck paint with antiskid particles shaken on after first coat of deck paint - looks good, but you will get some cracks back at some point-on a 37, unless you have some other problem, such as water in your deck core, they are cosmetic. It does look better after repair, but some will reappear.
Opened up large cracks with a sharp edged can opener point, filled with gel coat repair - two coats of primer - two coats of deck paint with antiskid particles shaken on after first coat of deck paint - looks good, but you will get some cracks back at some point-on a 37, unless you have some other problem, such as water in your deck core, they are cosmetic. It does look better after repair, but some will reappear.
possible coating
I found a product called Decolay when looking for possible ways to fix my last boat. It is a rubber based coating. They claim it will provide a very durable finish on the non skid. I can't vouch for it as I traded up rather than fix. I found the product at www.hollandmarine.com - I don't know of other marine outlets that may have it as well.
I found a product called Decolay when looking for possible ways to fix my last boat. It is a rubber based coating. They claim it will provide a very durable finish on the non skid. I can't vouch for it as I traded up rather than fix. I found the product at www.hollandmarine.com - I don't know of other marine outlets that may have it as well.
IF it is an older, Cherubini 37...
the non-skid was gelcoat applied with a roller. YOu can do it again, and it is not too hard. Sand down the original, match the color, and use a coarse roller to create the stippled finish. It comes out great. You will get better at it, so you might find something to practise on first. You can make it rougher or smoother as you choose. The biggest job is the sanding and possible filling. And, of course, this will eventually get hairline cracks, too.
the non-skid was gelcoat applied with a roller. YOu can do it again, and it is not too hard. Sand down the original, match the color, and use a coarse roller to create the stippled finish. It comes out great. You will get better at it, so you might find something to practise on first. You can make it rougher or smoother as you choose. The biggest job is the sanding and possible filling. And, of course, this will eventually get hairline cracks, too.
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