Sailing this weekend was glorious, west winds at 10 knots, bright blue sky and low to mid 70's. Unfortunately while kneeling in the cockpit of my 23.5 I found out how aggressive the anti-skid really is. My right knee looks like I took a cheese grater to it and I can honestly say it's rather uncomfortable. So with all that being said has anyone covered their cockpit floor with SeaDek or one of the other EVA foams? If so what are your thoughts? Did you take it to a marina or was it a DIY project?
SeaDek EVA Foam
- Thread starter Tony_Furst
- Start date
We use these for most kneeling activity on the nonskid, such as scrubbing, waxing, sailing. Comfortable under or over long pants, light weight, chuck them in the washer and very cost effective. They also last for a long time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E3ZTXI/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
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I was thinking more along the lines of permanently installing the SeaDek foam, it is the same stuff they use on the swim platforms of wakeboard boats and in the foot wells of waverunners. I'm trying to decide if this is a DIY type project or best left to the pro's.
The nonskid is exactly that so with the proper shoes for sailing, you will not slide which is a safety issue. personally, I would prefer the nonskid and put something down when working on the boat. Many will agree or disagree but it is a personal choicel.
Dave, I like the non-skid under foot when wearing shoes, what got me was kneeling down in the cockpit and then pivoting on my knee. The SeaDek stuff is definitely non-skid just easier on the knees. I often single hand so there are times I'm on my knees in the cockpit when changing course or making minor trim adjustments.
Assuming that you are on the 23.5, I am curious why you are on your knees in the cockpit sailing? Like I tell everyone, to each his own but I am curious as I logged so many hours of sailing and trailering the 23.5 particularly when I was introducing that boat for Hunter.
Dave, yes I'm on a 23.5 and sometimes it happens that I end up on my knees usually if I drop something or need to adjust the rudder tension. Don't know that I'm going to do anything but was more so curious if anyone had used SeaDek or Marine Mat EVA foam.
Another member installed the SeaDeck faux teak deck in the cockpit of his C22 (its a EVA foam no matter what style or color you get). Be warned, it costs $400 per sheet (40 x 80 inch) ... Even if they only cut one piece for you its $400 and they don't send you any of the cut off material. You want to maximize your order to get every square inch of the material your $400 pays for.
Wit that said, I am going with (or at least plan to) SeaDeck faux teak in the Storm Grey with black lines. The kit included a sample and it is really thick (5mm), and feel nice and soft on the feets without being too squishy or weak. It will be my cockpit sole, on the cockpit seat tops, and on the cockpit coaming. I ordered their template kit with an extra sheet of mylar, so I am using a total of two sheets of 40 x 80 mylar. I've already traced out my patterns over the original non-skid before I sanded it all down and painted everything. I finished the paint about a month ago, just dragging my heels on sending the patterns back for CAD drawings and an official quote. I am bracing for an $800 invoice, but its no shock because I knew it would be at least that much going in.
Keep in mind, if you go with the faux teak or any other pattern that is custom cut for you its more expensive, but they are doing the cutting with a computer and the finished product will fit perfectly (as long as you send them good templates). To save some money you can buy the EVA sheets that are 39 x 77 and just come in the basic dimple pattern. If you are good at making templates and handy with a razor knife it is not a hard DIY job. At $150 for a full sheet it is much cheaper than doing the CAD cut faux teak or any other pattern. That's my back up plan if their quote is crazy (they do charge for the CAD lay-out time).
Also keep in mind, this stuff sticks with a 3M pressure sensitive adhesive, so it does not like sticking to old nonskid, especially the rough stuff. It likes smooth glossy surfaces best to ensure maximum adhesion. You would have to sand all that non-skid out smooth, and take it from me... I sand all the non-skid off of ALL of my decks and it is a bee-otch, even with 60 grit on a big 6 inch orbital.
If your current non-skid isn't damaged, stained, or otherwise screwed up... I'd just keep it and invest in some good sailing knee pads! If you want to put in the sweat equity and sand down all that non-skid... I think the SeaDek faux teak looks pretty sharp.
Wit that said, I am going with (or at least plan to) SeaDeck faux teak in the Storm Grey with black lines. The kit included a sample and it is really thick (5mm), and feel nice and soft on the feets without being too squishy or weak. It will be my cockpit sole, on the cockpit seat tops, and on the cockpit coaming. I ordered their template kit with an extra sheet of mylar, so I am using a total of two sheets of 40 x 80 mylar. I've already traced out my patterns over the original non-skid before I sanded it all down and painted everything. I finished the paint about a month ago, just dragging my heels on sending the patterns back for CAD drawings and an official quote. I am bracing for an $800 invoice, but its no shock because I knew it would be at least that much going in.
Keep in mind, if you go with the faux teak or any other pattern that is custom cut for you its more expensive, but they are doing the cutting with a computer and the finished product will fit perfectly (as long as you send them good templates). To save some money you can buy the EVA sheets that are 39 x 77 and just come in the basic dimple pattern. If you are good at making templates and handy with a razor knife it is not a hard DIY job. At $150 for a full sheet it is much cheaper than doing the CAD cut faux teak or any other pattern. That's my back up plan if their quote is crazy (they do charge for the CAD lay-out time).
Also keep in mind, this stuff sticks with a 3M pressure sensitive adhesive, so it does not like sticking to old nonskid, especially the rough stuff. It likes smooth glossy surfaces best to ensure maximum adhesion. You would have to sand all that non-skid out smooth, and take it from me... I sand all the non-skid off of ALL of my decks and it is a bee-otch, even with 60 grit on a big 6 inch orbital.
If your current non-skid isn't damaged, stained, or otherwise screwed up... I'd just keep it and invest in some good sailing knee pads! If you want to put in the sweat equity and sand down all that non-skid... I think the SeaDek faux teak looks pretty sharp.
CloudDiver thank you very much for the great review. I wasn't sure how it would stick and I was afraid I would be grinding down the anti-skid. Mine isn't in bad shape, my knees just don't like it. I'm not surprised at the price just because of the detailing that goes into it. Please post some pictures of your project when you get it finished. Maybe the best thing for me is to invest in some of the EVA foam yoga mats and throw them down on the sole when needed.
Tony;
Way back when I used knee pads but bought the good ones that lasted and boy they sure helped out. I understand what you are saying with old fartitis age.
Way back when I used knee pads but bought the good ones that lasted and boy they sure helped out. I understand what you are saying with old fartitis age.
If it's to save your knees, there are some nice flotation cushions available for around $15 that could be dual purpose keeler and rescue device. And they are real comfortable to sit on or back support too. .
Dave,
I've had 7 surgeries on one knee and now it's an issue of a knee replacement. I'm just trying to avoid it for a few more years.
I carry a couple of these for those jobs .. and they are comfortable to sit on too.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Fiskars-Kneeling-Cushion-94216974J/100534790
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Fiskars-Kneeling-Cushion-94216974J/100534790
Tony;
I know what you mean. Left hip is giving me trouble when I sit down. Too much clearing brush off side of a mountain at 66.
I know what you mean. Left hip is giving me trouble when I sit down. Too much clearing brush off side of a mountain at 66.
