There’s nothing more hazardous than safety equipment that
seems okay at fi rst glance but is likely to fail when it’s needed most.
A perfect example of this is worn nonskid that provides adequate
footing when dry but becomes dangerously slippery when wet.
Here’s a look at nonskid choices to keep your vessel from turning
into an ice skating rink.Nonskid options
When the factory-molded nonskid of a typical fi berglass boat
becomes worn, owners have a number of aftermarket options
to choose from. Considerations such as cost and durability are
important, but so are ease of installation or cleaning when exposed
to dirt, fi sh slime and oil. The goal is a nonskid surface that meets
such concerns and is also effective in extreme conditions while
providing a good feel underfoot.
The most common nonskid replacement options can be loosely
divided into three categories: deck paints with a grit-type traction
material added to them, deck paints featuring a textured surface,
and nonskid mats or coverings that rely on some form of adhesive to
mount them into place.What about teak?
Many believe a traditional teak deck looks better and provides
superior traction than any modern nonskid. The fi rst may be an
opinion, but the reputation of teak as a natural nonskid is well-
deserved. Installation of a new teak deck is certainly an option,but there are downsides, particularly when compared to modern
choices. These include price (both from a material and installation
standpoint), added weight, and susceptibility to staining from oil, fi sh
blood, etc., which makes a teak deck more maintenance intensive.
Teak oils ruin its natural nonskid properties, and improper cleaning
methods such as the use of a power washer can also destroy it
quickly. Letting it go au naturel is an option, but many fi nd the gray
color it reverts to unappealing.Grit-type nonskid
These are deck paints that use some form of “grit” to provide
traction such as graded/sifted sand, crushed walnut shells and
polymer beads. Larger, sharper grit produces the best traction but
is less friendly to bare feet or skin while lounging around the deck (or
during an unexpected fall). Conversely, fi ne grit is less aggressive to
skin, yet provides less traction.
Other considerations include the use of one- or two-part paints
(the former being cheaper, the latter being more durable) and color
selection. Lighter colors are cooler but can produce more glare and
tend to show dirt more readily.
Depending on what’s used, the grit itself can come premixed in
nonskid paint, be sold as an additive for mixing into deck paint, or
sprinkled onto wet deck paint.
Products such as Durabak, Epifanes Nonskid Deck coating,
Interlux Interdeck, and Pettit EZ-Decks are all good examples of
premixed nonskid paint.NONSKID REPAIR
2016 ANNUAL HAUL OUT GUIDE 62 • SOUTHERNBOATING.COM • MARCH 2016
Slippery When Wet
Make sure your boat deck is still safe.