The last few years have seen a significant rise in rubberizing all sorts of boats: Fishing boats, recreational vehicles, small and large boats alike, including cruise ships. Here are some of the advantages that using poured in place rubber on your boat deck might offer:
The main benefits of Poured in place rubber on your boat
Superior Non-skid resitance.
- PIP offers excellent traction even when wet, which is helpful on boats.
- That skid resistance remains a factor even when water accumulates on the deck, which obviously is a factor of how thick the wear layer is.
- Can reduce the likelihood of falls.
Impact attenuation
- A benefit that is remnant of why poured in place is installed in playgrounds.
- Reduces fall impact in case of slipping and hitting the deck.
- Can provide anti-fatigue benefits for crew that stand for extended periods of time
- Might be more comfortable for bare feet particularly for children.
Durability & Protection
Weather & UV Resistance
- Can offer lasting resistance to harsh conditions.
- Withstands freeze-thaw cycles better than many alternatives
- Can last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. This means, rebinding occasionally.
Protects Underlying Surfaces
- Creates a protective barrier over wood, fiberglass, or metal decks from wear and tear and impact from cages, traps and heavy objects.
- Can help prevent scratches, and general wear and tear from foot traffic.
Comfort & Functionality
Heat Resistance
- Rubber is cooler than some deck surfaces (particulary metal) on hot days
- Can be more comfortable for bare feet in summer days.
Aesthetic & Customization
Design Flexibility
- EPDM is available in many colors to match the color scheme of the boat or accentuate them.
- You can create custom designs and logos when you trowel the EPDM granules
- The fact that the system is seamless means no tripping hazards.
- PIP can be applied in varying thicknesses which makes it ideal in varying surfaces.
Maintenance & Installation
Low Maintenance
- Can be cleaned with household detergeants.
- Can be powerwashed.
- Resistant to mold and mildew
DIY installation
- Can be installed in one day with one person.
- Conforms to irregular deck shapes and contours.
- Can be installed over existing surfaces (metal, fiberglass, wood) as long as the proper PIP primer is used.
Drop me a line if you have any questions about rubberizing your boat. I can be reached at hal@trassig.com
