New Non-skid Options. Kiwi grip?

[BTF112989]

Hey everybody!
I have now owned my boat a year and 2 days, but its time to change the deck grip situation!  Currently, the deck is quite slick especially when wet.  When the decks were replaced in 2008, the previous owner put down new plywood, glassed it over with 1708, then put down a layer of mat, before painting over the cured mat with a white paint(looks kind of like bilge paint).  Anyway, the paint is starting to wear off & I'm not crazy about the bumpy surface of the cured mat, so its time to replace.  

I want to probably go with kiwi grip based on researching many different people's non-skid methods.  My question is: what would yall do with the fiberglass mat finish on my deck?  Can I kiwi grip over the bumpy surface(not ideal to me), or is there a way to level out the whole deck surface before applying a layer of kiwi grip?  How involved will a leveling process be?

Also, what colors of kiwi grip would yall suggest due to the comfort of bare feet in the hot sun?  The light blue color has interested me based on the awlgrip color on my hullsides.


Thanks,
Ben

[RickK]

You might consider this method - I put it on many years ago and it is still fine. That'll help you cover the glass too.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1991

[jdupree]

I originally did my deck with Durabak.  Not pleased with it.  I wish I would have gone with Kiwigrip.  The great thing about Kiwigrip is the shelf life.  I was told by the company that it will last for many years once the seal is broken.  That makes it easier for future "touch ups".

I would go with the grey as far as the color.  It is a lighter grey and is the most popular.  As far as deck prep, I would contact Kiwigrip and see what they suggest.  Before I used Durabak I had the original Diamond non-skid.  Not sure what you have but all I did was rough the deck up with 80 grit, washed clean, and wiped with xylene.  I would guess the deck prep will be close to the same for both.  Not sure about leveling your deck   Does it have high and low spots?  If so, what was suggested to me by Kiwigrip would be to just dump some Kiwigrip on the deck and level out with squeegee.  This should fill all the voids.  Once you have done this and got everything filled in or leveled, then go back with the 2nd coat and use their roller for the desired texture.


I know several on this site have used it and had positive results.  Post some pictures when you are done so we can see how it turned out

[BTF112989]

Interesting method Rick! There are so many ways to do non-skid & many of them come out very well!

Jdupree,
Yes, the mat on top of the 1708 has given my deck surface high & low spots that act as a kind of smooth anti-skid or grip surface. The bumpy & smooth surface is still too slick when wet, so that's why I want to lay down some non-skid.  That is a good method to level out the deck. I guess that was mainly my question. Whether to level out the surface with kiwigrip or if I was going to need to fair out or lay a new layer of fiberglass on the whole deck before applying. I will stay away from durabak.

I want the finished look that non-skid gives a boat because my boat was so well done in the rebuild, but it looks like the deck was an afterthought.

How much should I order to cover the decks on a 22-2? Also, would yall stick to just applying non-skid on the deck & casting deck, or would you also apply it to your cap? They say a gallon covers 80 sq. Ft.

Thanks!
Ben

[HIFLUTIN]

I used Kiwi grip on my rebuild
Was really easy to use & Apply,
Had it color matched at my local paint shop
Only on for 3 months not sure of actual deck life

[jdupree]

Interesting method Rick! There are so many ways to do non-skid & many of them come out very well!

Jdupree,
Yes, the mat on top of the 1708 has given my deck surface high & low spots that act as a kind of smooth anti-skid or grip surface. The bumpy & smooth surface is still too slick when wet, so that's why I want to lay down some non-skid.  That is a good method to level out the deck. I guess that was mainly my question. Whether to level out the surface with kiwigrip or if I was going to need to fair out or lay a new layer of fiberglass on the whole deck before applying. I will stay away from durabak.

I want the finished look that non-skid gives a boat because my boat was so well done in the rebuild, but it looks like the deck was an afterthought.

How much should I order to cover the decks on a 22-2? Also, would yall stick to just applying non-skid on the deck & casting deck, or would you also apply it to your cap? They say a gallon covers 80 sq. Ft.

Thanks!
Ben

I hate to give advice on your deck without seeing it.  Not sure how "low" your low spots are.  I guess if you really wanted to do it right, build the low spots back up and fair as you suggested.  If the spots you are talking about are mostly cosmetic, I would go ahead and give the Kiwigrip a shot.  I have not used Kiwigrip but I have a gallon in my barn ready for use.  I was told that it is thick like gelcoat.  I have not opened it yet.

I think a gallon would be enough for your 22-2.  It took less than a gallon of Durabak for my 222 CCP.  I know that they are different products but I think a gallon would do.  I like the idea of using Kiwigrip on the cap.  It would give you extra traction getting in and out of the boat.

I got my Kiwigrip from Jamestown Distributors.  Give them a call and get further information on the Kiwigrip.  They were very helpful when I called.  It is expensive, so make sure your questions have been answered before you order it.

[Capt Matt]

I really like my kiwi grip, I went with light grey. It does get dirty pretty easy though and needs to be scrubbed with soap and water to be cleaned. It is the best non skid even with fish slime all over the deck you never slip.
I have chipped it a few times with a anchor etc but being a water based paint touch up is a breeze. The main thing when putting it down is the surface is clean, it will cover lots of imperfections and can be put down as thick as needed. I used 3 gallons but that was for the top of the gunnels, transom and I also painted the inside of my transom cabinet and console with it. I would go with 2 gallons if you are just doing the deck and put it on thick. Be sure to get a few extra rollers when you order.
Good luck with it
Capt Matt

[jaycal3]

I really like my kiwi grip, I went with light grey. It does get dirty pretty easy though and needs to be scrubbed with soap and water to be cleaned. It is the best non skid even with fish slime all over the deck you never slip.
I have chipped it a few times with a anchor etc but being a water based paint touch up is a breeze. The main thing when putting it down is the surface is clean, it will cover lots of imperfections and can be put down as thick as needed. I used 3 gallons but that was for the top of the gunnels, transom and I also painted the inside of my transom cabinet and console with it. I would go with 2 gallons if you are just doing the deck and put it on thick. Be sure to get a few extra rollers when you order.
Good luck with it
Capt Matt

Capt Matt,
I would love  to see some pics of what your deck looks like. Especially the gunwales, console and transom.  I am going to be refinishing my deck with nonskid and thought of using a topside paint for the not-so-bright-anymore areas that arent finshed with the nonskid stuff.