non-skid or teak?

[deckhanddave]

The factory molded non-skid on my t-30 is history. It's been worn down so well that I almost don't even see a diference between the non-skid and the regular top coat. So given that I need to not only paint the entire topsides of my boat, but replace the non-skid for the entire boat as well, it leaves me with lots of options. Luckily I've pared it down to two. To teak or to non-skid, that is the question.

As I am 100% DIY, labor costs are not the issue, and I'm ok with the price jump for the raw materials. I'd want to use the Gougeon brother's screwless method which should (?) prevent leaks but I'd want some opinions on that.

As far as the non-skid goes, I personally don't like the look of the all white on white boat. The non-skid would either be a sandy color over an off white, or a grey over an off white.

So if you were in my shoes, new teak deck, or non-skid?

[Faster]

Teak: Classy looking, expensive, moderate maintenance depending on your choices, considerable additional weight relatively high on the boat.

NonSkid: Using paints/gels/etc. produces variable results with large differences in nonskid effectiveness, and appearance. Some produce such aggressive nonskid that you wouldn't dare kneel on it wearing shorts. Others look great and don't tear things up, but may be less than effective nonskid under all conditions.

Colour: keep in mind that dark colours can get unbearably hot underfoot

Treadmaster - maybe a good compromise all around.

[sailingdog]

I'd go with either Treadmaster or a non-skid paint, as it will add far less weight to the boat. Treadmaster is probably a better idea, especially if you're clumsy and tend to drop winch handles and such...since it will add a layer of protection to the deck.

Non-skid paint is probably the least expensive, teak the most, and Treadmaster somewhere in-between.

I'd also agree that going with a very light color is wise, as the darker colors can cause the boat to heat up signifcantly in the summer time, and can get hot enough to burn the soles of your feet. Something that is just off pure-white is usually a good idea, as pure white adds a lot of glare and something not-exactly pure white is a lot easier on the eyes.

[T34C]

I just repainted the non-skid on my boat this past sumer. I used Interlux Interdec (sp) paint in a beige color on a white deck. It was easy to do, looks great and provideds excellent traction on deck. For me it proved a huge improvement.

[Irwin32]

I have teak and would not have chosed it except I liked the boat. It gets very hot on warm days and is just one more thing to maintain, but, as we know, has excellent traction in all conditions.

My last boat had molded in traction

I put Treadmaster on one of my past boats and really liked it. It held up very well for over 10 years. Very good traction when wet.

Of the three, I would go with Treadmaster.

[deckhanddave]

I keep dismissing treadmaster just because it brings up images of industrial flooring, but the more I hear about it in practical use the more i like it it. Does anyone have a picture of a treadmaster deck? I've never actually, up until this moment, thought to bend down and inpect the nonskid on the boats I've seen.

[pigslo]

Treadmaster looks like a molded deck to me.

[Faster]

Found this pic on a google search:



It is from someone's personal project. They do offer different patterns and colours besides the diamond tread shown.

Link to manufacturer: http://www.tiflex.co.uk/marine/original/original.html

And here is a product they offer to "rejuvenate" old faded UV-degraded treadmaster
http://www.tiflex.co.uk/marine/treadcote/treadcote.html

[deckhanddave]

hmmm, yeah it looks like what I imagined. Maybe I need to see it in person, time to do some more research.

[redcorvette1995]

Hi,

You can get a wave pattered tread master that I have on my boat.
It isn't nearly as "Industrial".