How to Skid Proof a Boat Deck
Slick boat decks invite injuries to passengers and possible damage to the boat. Wet decks quickly get slippery from spray and rain. When fishing, bait, blood and other slime can cover the deck, making moving around a tricky proposition. Skid proofing a boat deck is a project you can do over a weekend with great results. Knowing a few simple guidelines ensures the next boat outing is safe and fun.
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Things You'll Need
- Skid proofing mixture
- Painter's tape
- 180 grit sandpaper
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
Instructions
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1
Clean the deck of the boat thoroughly with soap and water. Mark a line around the floor of the boat with a pencil to clearly identify the area you wish to skid proof. Roll out painter's tape with the bottom edge meeting the pencil line and continue taping around seats and other interior obstacles to keep the skid coating where it belongs.
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2
Sand the deck with 180 grit sandpaper, taking care to get a smooth, flat surface. Continue sanding right up to the pencil line and remove any dust with a mop or vacuum.
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3
Pick a small area to begin working and apply a thick coat of skid proofing with a brush. Roll the skid coating with a small roller in heavy strokes until the coating is evenly distributed. Use a final light stroke with the roller to get the texture you desire.
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4
Remove the tape as you finish each area to allow a smooth transition from the skid coating to the finish of the boat. Apply additional coats to add durability or even out texture.
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5
Let the skid coating dry per the manufacturer's recommendation. Recoat as necessary due to normal wear and tear.
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