Cockpit Sole

[storm petrel]

I am thinking about covering the sole of the cockpit with deckgrip (a product from Florsafe that is a bit like surfboard grip) or building a teak grate(more expensive option but would proabably last longer. I have read very good reports about deckgrip from boat owners who have used it in the States but I have not heard of anyone useing it here. Deckgrip would be a much cheaper option than a timber insert given the price of teak. Has anyone used deckgrip or built a timber insert for their cockpit sole and if so what did you use? Could I use something instead of teak?

Merry Cristmas to everyone,
Mark

[Miker]

Hey Mark,
You may want to have a look at Flexi-Teak. It's a synthetic teak made of recycled plastics etc, but looks just like a proper laid surface. Downside is, apparently it gets quite hot under bare feet, but what deck surface doesn't in some ways. http://www.flexiteak.com.au/ not a cheap option, but cheaper than real teak.

Alternatively, you could call Dave at Sydney Wood http://www.sydneywood.com.au/ tell him I sent you and he'll do something. As an example I got 6 lengths of 1800x20x110 teak decking for just on $200. That's got to be cheaper than any stick on stuff. I used what I bought to make a seat to run across the stern rail. Further to that, if you used decking with a rebated frame and epi-glued together with s/s screws covered with plugs you wouldn't need to fasten it, just drop it in the sole. Then just work out how to make it non slip.

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in either of these companies, although Dave at Sydney Wood is a good friend and shipwright who deserves the business if you need exotic timbers.

Michael

[storm petrel]

Thanks Michael I will follow up your leads. They quoted me $200 for a sheet of deck grip that was big enough to do the sole twice so it is not expensive (but not as classy as a timber sole insert and would bea lot wetter at sea).

Cheers,
Mark