no-skid deck repair (gel coat)

[pawpaw1]

Question for anyone who has worked with fiberglass/gel coat: I have a 7 year hold hull that has a no-skid deck (diamond pattern). The diamonds are slowly but surely disappearing on one side of the deck. HOW do I go about repairing this with a new layer of gel coat with the same pattern?!?! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[gskully]

Re: no-skid deck repair (gel coat)

I read this in a very good book - This Old Boat or one my other boat repair books. I'll try to look it up. The author recommends using a friends boat with a good unworn pattern and make a fiberglass mold of the pattern using plenty of mold release. You only need a small section about 12" square or less. Use the mold you create to texture the new gell coat apply to your boat. I will look it up tonight and get the right book. <br /><br />This Old Boat has been very helpful in helping me plan and carry out my repairs and the author provides the "inside" secrets about fiberglass molding and repairs that no one will tell you.

 

[Hooty]

Re: no-skid deck repair (gel coat)

Don' know pawpaw1. I DO know a whole bunch of those "inside" secrets but no solution for what ails your boat. As you know, that "diamond pattern" came right out of the mold and (to my way of thinking anyway) reproducing it would be impossible. Even if you had the original deck mold, I doubt your deck would go bsck into it. You might think about sanding all the diamond pattern out and replacing it with adhesive-backed non-skid stuff.<br />Keep us posted.<br /><br />G'luck & c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[Trent]

Re: no-skid deck repair (gel coat)

Randall paints make a non-skid paint in several colors that work really well. Just sand and paint.