Opinions on DriDek

[kwaltersmi]

Has anyone used DriDek vinyl deck tiles in a cockpit? I'm considering these or possibly a hand-made cedar plank grate similar to the one in the latest edition of Good Old Boat. I'm looking for a cost effective solution for lining my cockpit with something non-skid that water will drain through.

[sailingdog]

I think you'll be happier with the cedar grate instead of the DriDek. The DriDek tiles are highly overpriced IMHO, and somewhat tacky looking.

[bottleinamessage]

I don't think you'd want to go barefoot on DriDek either.

[CapnHand]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

.....highly overpriced IMHO, and somewhat tacky....

It's just like Hooters!

[camaraderie]

We used drideck in the coxkpit of several boats and were quite happy with it. It is a lot easier and cheaper than a wooden grid and needs no maintenance.

[sailingdog]

Thus spoke the RV king...

Originally Posted by camaraderie

We used drideck in the coxkpit of several boats and were quite happy with it. It is a lot easier and cheaper than a wooden grid and needs no maintenance.

[pigslo]

The cockpit sole is the one place that a teak grate can weather and not be maintained. Looks good and does not need varnish as it will weather to a rough finish.
pigslo

[heinzir]

I have used the Dri-Dek tiles in my cockpit for many years and have had no issues. I made a frame out of 1/2" teak with a rabbet on the inside for the tiles to sit on. The tiles were snapped together, then cut to fit the frame. I drilled holes in the rabbet "ledge" for the tile pegs to lock into. It makes for a relatively solid grate, looks good, drains easily, and is easy on the feet.
I couldn't get my pictures to post, so check out these links:

http://sports.webshots.com/photo/289...49039029KuqPQi
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/293...49039029yHiXBQ
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/233...49039029GpLZdF
http://sports.webshots.com/album/230613770IXBurv


Henry
Chiquita


Note: many companies make tiles similar to DriDek; some are good, some not so good.

[sailingdog]

Heinzir-

Thanks for the photos... and while that does look a bit better than the average DriDek installation, IMHO, it still looks like crap. I just don't like the look of DriDek, especially on an older boat.

[kwaltersmi]

Heinzir - Nice photos, nice installation of the DriDek and nice boat!

Here's what I've got so far:

DriDek pros: easy installation, cheaper than wood, maintainence-free
DriDek cons: not as aesthetically pleasing

In all honesty, if cost and wood-working weren't involved, I would almost certainly go with a handmade teak or cedar grate. But for ease and cost, the DriDek looks like it might be the way for me initially.