Whats the best Deck Covering?

[RobMarine]

Hello All,
I'm very new to this game, haven't even bought my boat yet but I have been researching the very best thing to buy so I don't have to spend loads refurbishing it before I can play! Decks are confusing me...I love Teak but am aware its expensive to maintain and replace if its left and I have seen some synthetic versions that look great - does anyone know anything about them and why they exist? What are Teaks flaws over this 'pretend' version???
Also I have seen other deck coverings, alot of yachts I have seen in the past have had that Diamond Pattern Rubber matting on deck - whats that like? Good slip resistance over Teak I'm sure but I'm guessing its not great for sunbathing on!

Any advice would be great - I'm being over cautious to make sure I find exactly the right boat with all the right fittings! (which I'm already thinking will be very hard to find without having to sell my house and my family!)

Cheers!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

welcome to iboats, depends on the type & size boat you want, and what you are going to use it for. some more info, please.

 

[RobMarine]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

Well in a perfect world a Sunseeker Manhattan....
But coming back to reality a yacht like a Bavaria Cruiser to start with, my friend used to have one and it was a lovely boat - like I say I'm very new to this as although I've always loved boats I've never owned one so I'm guessing I'll change my mind a million times before settling on one.
I want a boat that is properly sailed not just sat in a marina looking pretty, mainly coastal around the UK to start with!
My friends Bavaria had a wooden deck but it did get slippery at times which is why I'm concerned about the right decking, something nice but not just aesthetic - it has to be functional as well i.e. non slip...any ideas?

 

[JB]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

Colored versions of Rhino Liner type coatings come in non-slip now, Rob. They are weatherproof and UV tolerant. The lighter colors should be okay for sunning.

I agree that teak requires a lot of maintenance but it is oh, so beautiful when cared for.

Good luck, and welcome to iboats.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

I had the same question last year and got this:

boatcarpetbuys.com/boatcarpet-type/330-Vinyl-Flooring.asp

Lays down easy, not super expensive and looks great!!

Good luck

EDIT: Sorry, Plainsman. Direct links to commercial enterprises are not allowed. I have converted it to an allowed referral.

 

[GregE]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

I had the same question last year and got this:

boatcarpetbuys.com/boatcarpet-type/330-Vinyl-Flooring.asp

Lays down easy, not super expensive and looks great!!

Hey Plainsman, it says slip resistent, but from someone like yourself who actually uses it, how is it in that regard? Thickness ok so as not to show every little thing under it? I know Deco Dot is supposed to be good but I hear about how thin it is which would steer me away from it. I want something with some substance but still easy to work with regarding installation.

Just looking around for ideas for future jon boat customization. Early on I was thinking carpet, but after reading a ton here I'm convinced that a marine vinyl is the way to go.

 

[RobMarine]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

After more looking on the internet I have found a few decking suppliers - can anyone give me their opinions on the below products?:
'Treadmaster' rubber decking - looks good, reports to have great anti-slip etc.
'Aikona' Teak alternative - looks good but not sure on performance...


Thanks for the previous info by the way!

Rob

 

[Treadmaster]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

Hi Rob,
Treadmaster Marine is a rubber decking that has been around for many years, I'm biased but I would never recommend a product I didn't believe in..it isn't horrendously expensive but reassuringly so - it will give great anti-slip and lasts years! easy to maintain as well as when it stars looking old, buy the Treadcote paint and paint it to look like new!
Hope this helps...

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

Another thing you can do is to add sand to the regular topside paint. It's a cheap alternative to some of the more expensive options... as long as you add enough sand, it's got great anti-slip footing... and it's guaranteed to match the rest of the paint job (with the exception of not being so glossy on account of the sand).

 

[Capt. Mike]

Re: Whats the best Deck Covering?

I would never put anything on my decks but varnish ad maybe a little sand in the in the varnish where needed

http://web.mac.com/tanyard/Site_6/teak_decks.html