Re-Finishing '83 H34 deck

[Richard Bryer]

The warmer weather is starting me thinking about my summer-to-do-list. One of the jobs I want to get done this year is re-finishing my deck. The gel coat on the deck is very "chalky" The non-skid is molded - small bumps. Some places are worn down to the darker base epoxy. Some questions:
How best to sand the non-skid and still keep the bumps but get rid of the chalky gel coat between the bumps? Has anyone used a flexible circular wire brush on a drill for this?
Which paint/coating is best- a 2 part polyurethane or a one part ? Any others? I want the most durable but I need to be able to apply it myself. Also which brand of paint? Should I use a primer-if so which one? How good are additive such as the Pettit Performance Enhancer?

Apply by rolling and tipping?

I will be happy to hear all experiences

 

[Dave Groshong]

For the non-skid areas, I just love the non toxic and easy to use KiwiGrip:
http://shop.hunterowners.com/prod.php?3723

You can apply it thick or thin depending on pressure, no need to do any major sanding. It's best to do a few test swatches to see what your preference is.

 

[Amos Cape]

I too would recommend Kiwi Grip. I have used it on two boats and they both look great. Getting ready as soon as weather breaks to do another deck redo. It is very easy to work with. One of the main things to do is remove the tape as you go, don’t wait till you are done.

 

[Allan12210]

For a good cleaning of the chalk on those bumps I use a Doodlebug mop head and Soft Scrub. Not terribly abrasive but it conforms to the nonskid we have.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WZ6ZS...9047-82a4d344ab0f&ie=UTF8&qid=1519695543&sr=3

I didn't remember it was that expensive when I bought mine. Maybe just use a barbeque scrubber with the Soft Scrub.

 

[Capt Robbie]

Hey Richard,

I did my 1983 H34 approximately 4-5 years ago while repairing damage from hurricane Sandy. Same issues chalky deck with warn gelcote spots. Things to be aware of after your done painting.
If you don't add any nonskid compound to the paint the deck will be extremely slick to walk on when it gets wet. "Just like it was when it left the factory when it was new".
You have the really think about these two issues before you paint because you will only have one shot.
1) paint the nonskid with deck paint only.
2) paint the nonskid with non skid compound added to the paint.

Huge discussion to make. I only used the non skid compound on the anchor well hatch and on the cockpit floor. My thought is that these areas are where I need the best traction.

The issue with adding nonskid compound to the paint is it's extremely hard to keep clean, especially on a white deck. The compound will look like tiny black pepper flakes in the paint after a few weeks. Requires constant scrubbing and elbow grease all the time to keep clean. That's why I only used it in those areas.

If you choose to not used the nonskid compound the deck will stay 90% cleaner and look great, however the deck will be as slick as an ice skating rink. The issue is that the paint will dry to a gloss finish thus making it extremely slick when it gets wet. I mean EXTREMELY EXTREMELY slick I decided to not use the non skid compound on the main deck for the simple reason that I could always repaint the deck with the compound if I was not satisfied with the results. If you used the compound 1st then you will never get that grit out of the diamond patern that is molded into the deck.

Like I said huge decision to make. Appearance or functionality.
I struggled with the extremely slick deck for about a year untill I was able to remove some of the gloss finish. I used a scotch brite pad with Soft scrub and that seems to have knocked it down a bit. Still is a little slick but no more then when it was from the factory. I just make sure everyone is aware that the deck is slick when wet and have the proper shoes on.

preparation:
1. Scrub deck with medium brush and scotch brite pad and Soft scrub to remove all the heavy oxidation.
2. Wipe down deck with a good degreaser/cleaner solvent.
3. I rolled the paint with small roller.

I used Interlux inter deck white it's a polyurethane base paint, no primer. Just follow the mfg directions, and try paint on shady day. Working in direct sunlight you have to work fast.
It's has held up very well so far. No chips and stain resistant even from bird droppings with those nasty berries in it.

Good luck with your spring project and don't over think it. It's just paint.

Hope this helps

 

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[Richard Bryer]

Thanks Robbie- I was debating the non skid compound question. I wonder if it would break down less if used with a 2 part paint- which I understand wears longer?

 

[Capt Robbie]

Richard,
Personally I think that the two part epoxy paint is just more money to shell out and a lot of bull Sh-t from the mfg. How are you using the boat now? Are you chartering it or just using it for weekends and an occasional cruise for a week or so? If you're going to charter then maybe that can justify possibly using the harder paint for high use. If you use the boat like most people like myself then the polyurethane base paint should be fine. My guests and I mostly wear boat shoes, flip flops or bare feet on the boat so the ware and tare on the deck is hardly anything. Plus on a boat you really don't have high traffic areas other then maybe the cockpit.