Choosing The Best Boat Non-Skid For Your Vessel

A slippery boat deck can be extremely hazardous, so it's important to choose the right non-skid surface. There are several options available, each with its own pros and cons. These include non-skid mats and coverings, such as Treadmaster and SeaDek, which offer traction, stain resistance, and a wide range of colours and finishes; textured deck paints, which create a non-slip surface through raised patterns; and deck paints with grit material added, which can be mixed into the paint or sprinkled on top. When choosing a non-skid surface, it's important to consider factors such as cost, durability, ease of installation and cleaning, and comfort underfoot.

Non-skid mats and coverings

Treadmaster

Treadmaster is a non-skid sheet that can be cut and applied to almost any deck area. It has a series of triangular raised bumps and is 7/64 inches thick. Epoxy will bond Treadmaster to your deck, and you can lay it down in sheets or cut it to fit odd-shaped areas. Treadmaster is designed to resist gas and oil. It is available in six earth-tone colours, including white, and comes with a one-year warranty against defective materials.

SeaDek

SeaDek is an increasingly popular custom-made decking that uses machined, stain-resistant, non-absorbent EVA foam to simulate teak with added cushioning. It is available as a moderately priced option on many new boats and can be custom-fitted to older boats. SeaDek needs little maintenance, and a square yard weighs about 12 ounces, much lighter than teak. Dark teak-like colours can get hot, so SeaDek also offers lighter hues such as holly and grey. However, the caulking channels can collect dirt, fish scales and other gunk if not cleaned properly.

Esthec Nautical Decking

Esthec Nautical decking is another option for non-skid mats and coverings. Similar to Treadmaster, Esthec panels are glued in place using a manufacturer-supplied, user-applied adhesive.

Other Options

Other non-skid mats and coverings include marine-grade indoor-outdoor carpeting, which is most suitable for use in a cabin or semi-enclosed deck, and Vynagrip Dekmat and Deck Mate, two types of plastic flooring.

Non-skid deck paints with grit material

Non-skid deck paint is essential for maintaining a safe boat, providing a slip-resistant surface that can be the difference between life and death in foul weather. The gritty stuff that keeps you from slipping is usually called the non-skid compound, and it can be mixed into the paint or applied in between coats. Here are some of the best non-skid deck paints with grit material:

KiwiGrip Non-Skid Deck Paint

The best non-skid boat deck paint overall, KiwiGrip is a water-based paint that is easy to clean up and apply. It costs around $150 per gallon (4 litres) and can cover about 80 square feet. It requires a special roller or brush for application, and it is important to practice and follow directions carefully to achieve the best results.

TUFF Coat Non-Skid Coating

This paint is easy on the feet, highly durable, and has a nice look to it. It is a two-part paint, so it requires thorough stirring to suspend all the rubber non-skid particles into the paint. It can cover about 150 square feet of the deck surface per gallon, and two to three coats are recommended.

TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint

This is a single-part, pre-mixed, slip-resistant paint that is easy to apply and provides a comfortable rubberized texture that is less abrasive than traditional silica additives. It is available in four colours and can be tinted to match topsides or existing non-skid patterns. It is recommended to apply two coats for greater traction, and it covers 250-300 square feet per gallon.

Pettit Paint EZ Deck

This is a one-part deck paint with aggregate, offering easy application and fade resistance. It includes ultraviolet filters to prevent colour fade but is only available in three colours. It is recommended to apply three to four coats with a ⅜ inch nap roller, and for best results, add EZPoxy Paint Enhancer. It costs $182.99 per gallon.

Pettit Paint Tuff Coat Rubberized

This is a one-step, rubberized deck paint that offers a thicker and more durable surface, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and hard use. It is made with recycled rubber granules to maximize durability and performance, providing a consistent texture and shock absorption. It is non-toxic and water-based, easy to apply with a roller or brush, and easy to clean up with soap and water. It costs $154.99 per gallon.

Non-skid deck paints with a textured surface

Non-skid deck paint is essential for maintaining a safe boat, providing a slip-resistant surface that can be the difference between life and death in foul weather. Textured non-skid deck paints improve durability because, as the paint wears, it doesn't release the aggregate.

KiwiGrip Non-Skid System

This paint is the best option for a textured non-skid deck. It doesn't require mixing the aggregate with the paint and is softer on bare feet. You can customise the depth of the texture for more grip by changing the application process. It is available in black, blue, cream, grey and white. However, it is expensive, costing around $150 per gallon (4 litres), and it is easy to mess up. It is also important to note that it doesn't look as good as some other options if it is not done carefully.

TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint

This paint creates an attractive, long-lasting non-slip surface for safe footing on boat decks. It is a one-component, slip-resistant, marine-grade paint that is easy to apply to fibreglass and wood decks for maximum traction and reduced sun glare. It has a rubbery texture that provides maximum traction and is less abrasive than traditional silica additives. It is available in sand beige, Kingston grey, light grey and white.

Pettit Paint EZ Deck

This is the top-performing deck anti-skid paint for easy application and fade resistance. It is a one-part deck paint with aggregate that is stirred to distribute the aggregate and applied with a ⅜-inch nap roller. It has ultraviolet filters to prevent colour fade but is only available in three colours.

Interlux Interdeck

This is an easy-to-apply anti-slip deck paint that combines an advanced polyurethane with a fine grit aggregate for a one-step application. It can be applied with a sprayer, roller or brush and has a low sheen to reduce glare. However, it is only available in five colours.

Alexseal Non Skid Fine HD

This is a clear aggregate added to two-part paints to increase grip in slippery surfaces. It is available in fine and coarse grit, allowing you to choose the size of the aggregate to match the application. It won't fade or separate from the paint, but it does require measuring and mixing.

Tuff Coat Non-Skid Coating

This paint is becoming very popular as it is easy on your feet, highly durable, and looks good. It contains rubber particles, which give it a soft texture that is comfortable on bare feet and knees. It is also flexible, thick and super grippy.

Non-skid qualities of teak decking

Teak decking is a common surface for foredecks and cockpits, and is well-known for providing excellent traction for boaters. In a test by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety, teak was given low marks for traction by almost every participant. However, when tested across the grain, it was the only surface that became more grippy when wet.

When completely dry, teak lives up to its reputation for grip. However, when traversing a damp deck in the same direction as the grain, traction is reduced. When tested with the grain running parallel to the ramp, a sheet of untreated teak offered better traction than both types of fiberglass textures and boat carpet. While much of the water ran off, the wood remained damp, degrading traction in the wet test.

Teak decking is heavy and expensive, making it best suited for larger boats. It is also more durable than non-skid, lasting 20 years or more with proper maintenance, compared to 10 years for non-skid. Teak is also more aesthetically pleasing than non-skid, giving vessels a more nautical and luxurious look.

In terms of maintenance, a non-skid surface needs to be washed with soap and water and probably a marine-grade degreaser. In comparison, teak decking maintenance simply involves washing with boat soap and scrubbing after use. Each year, it can also be sanded with the grain to get a newer look.

Non-skid qualities of SeaDek EVA foam

SeaDek is a closed-cell PE/EVA foam product that is revolutionising the marine industry. It is a safe and comfortable alternative to other marine traction products on the market, offering exceptional traction when wet or dry.

SeaDek is a superior alternative to marine carpet and traditional moulded-in non-skid. It is designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and is made from UV-resistant closed-cell PE/EVA foam, which will not absorb water. The foam is developed in the same factories that supply high-end fashion brands with premium materials. SeaDek's shock-absorbing qualities deliver maximum comfort on the water, and its sound-dampening properties are appreciated by fishermen.

The non-skid qualities of SeaDek are evident in its ability to reduce the risk of slips and falls, even when wet. Its innovative PV/EVA foam flooring blend is comfortable underfoot and provides a safe and secure grip. The foam is put through rigorous lab tests to ensure consistent quality standards, so you can trust that it will perform as expected.

SeaDek is also fully customisable, bringing an aesthetically pleasing style to boats of all sizes. It offers an extensive range of colours, textures, and unique laser patterns, allowing for endless customisation options. The most common application is SeaDek's 6mm material, which offers the perfect combination of comfort and traction for most marine floors. However, if additional comfort is needed, upgrading to a 13mm or 20mm low-density material is also an option.

Frequently asked questions