Hi,
My 1986 F36 original non skid pattern on the deck and in the cockpit has faded (not worn out) somewhat and needs some sort of maintenance to remove the dulness from it. Gelcoat is easy to maintain with some 3M cutting compound and waxing but not the non skid surfaces. Does anyone have a good suggestion on how to restore this surface to a presentable condition and at same time maintain reasonable grip that is has.
Regards/Petar
OK, since nobody is able to suggest the treatment I’ll ask another question. No-skid surfaces on my 1986 F36 are grey color and the rest o the gelcoat is white. Is this original color or was it painted sometime in the past? if it is original, would anyone know what sort of paint is it?
Grey and white is the norm. I have used a product called Sure-Step by Aurora on my nonskid for over ten years. It has very good traction wet or dry, barefoot or shoe. It will change the color of the non-skid the same way that wax will on other surfaces. In CT once a year was enough, in VA twice is more the norm though I will follow the directions (2 coats) in the spring and then late summer put on one more coat. It is appled like a wax. It is not cheap. It runs me about $60 a year for enough to do a 39 Express. It is much easier to keep the non-skid clean after being treated, bird dung sprays off with the hose.
The color is probably molded in, at least my 32’s gray decks are.
I don’t have a permanent solution but I spiff up my nonskid with just a pressure washer. It won’t get them back to brand spanking new but it will improve them a lot. Go over it with a 2500-ish pound machine, methodically, inch by inch, and you’ll see several steps darker color after it dries. You’ll probably also see some whitish stripes where you missed some spots. Just go over it again until it’s uniform.
hi i originaly had teadmaster on the side decks and a moulded in weave type non slip pattern on the cabintop and cockpit seats which is lethal when wet
i live aboard so the boat has to be imaculate but ruggedly fitted out i have removed the treadmaster which was coming away on its own and am puting kiwi grip non slip on all the non slip areas in a cream colourit and is thick enough to hide the previouse texture.
it is an acrylic material and aplies like a cross between gelcoat and artex and 1 liter covers 2 square m it should last for many years and give a lightweight very grippy surface that is smart , easy to clean and dosent hurt my feet like treadmaster
it was developed in nz and is popular on race boats il post a review when ive applied it but it looks very promising and ive bought enough to do our race boat too. would avoid standard gelcoat finishes because they all tend to be pretty rubish compared to teak or textured rubber decks or kiwigrip at least i always find on customers boats they are the ones i have to watch my step on (im always on and of boats bing a sail and cover maker.)
phil
kusi uk
Thanks guys. That Sure-Step from Aurora seems to be the best solution. How easy is it to buy thats stuff and where? I just read the original Freedom 36 Manual where the manufacturers suggesting to use Armor All on non skid surfaces?? Reading Armor All website they strongly discourage usage where sure footing is required. I am sure that Armor All can protect it fine and make it shiny again but slippery as well.