grip tape

Ouch...sounds like that would be rough on the skin. Try this stuff...be sure to NOT use the paddle board stuff..use the PWC stuff as it's tougher.

http://www.hydroturf.com/

Jake, is that hydroturf easy to apply when you have composite curved surface like the junction between the radius of the top and side of the hull and the radius close to the beams?

I haven't had the pleasure of using it myself yet - I was getting ready to order some for the F18. A lot of people are using it - hopefully someone will chime in soon that can comment on how it works on compound surfaces.

3M makes a grip tape for steps that works pretty awesome. It's rubbery and not super abrasive. I stuck some on my boat a few years ago and it's held up very well. The stuff used on skateboard decks is sandpaper and pretty harsh on your gear.

I've thought about sanding all the gelcoat off and painting my hulls, I was planning on just using the 3M grip tape to replace all of the non-skid.

I use http://www.seadek.com/p-10-large-sheet-39-x-77.aspx it's pretty easy to apply and is very durable, looks good too.

It's not fun doing all that sanding. There's way more gel coat than you think!

Thanks The hydro-turf looks to be the better price..lot of color & style options <img src="<>/cool.gif" alt="cool" title="cool" height="15" width="15" />

I have some grip tape in particular spots on the beams and behind the rear beam where only feet should be going. Works really well with shoes. It would be pretty rough on any clothing or gear if you cover the entire area in it.

I too have Hydro turf that I have been meaning to install for close to 2 years now.

For anyone looking to save a little money on the Hydro Turf, the B grade is an option. I've ordered 4 sheets total over a year and a half period and I haven't been able to find what would downgrade it on any of the sheets. Not all the color and pattern option but it's cheaper. I used the black diamond pattern.

http://hydroturf.com/products/Closeouts_and_Specials/Sheets_of_Turf

You're the f#ckwit that convinced me it'd be a good idea! <img src="<>/grin.gif" alt="grin" title="grin" height="15" width="15" />

Glad I could help. It was worth it to me but I wouldn't say the sanding was fun.

I have used the hydraturf on my Infusion. It works great and takes the deck to hull side curve just fine. But on compound curves it only does okay unless the compounds curves are not extreme. I suggest making a template out of heavy paper or clear Mylar film that you can than transpose to the flat turf. Keep in mind the turf can be stretched and bunched to some degree.

I have found this stuff to work the best in the past. http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Facilities-Care-Cleaning-NA/commercial-cleaning/cleaning-supplies/~/3M-Safety-Walk-Slip-Resistant-Medium-Resilient-Tapes-and-Treads-370?N=5927891+8703506+3293414317&rt=rud

That's the exact stuff I'm talking about.

Afb077 by northseajunkie, on Flickr

I've used several anti-slip covers. For the flat surfaces on my cat hydroturf sheets (see above for my backfoot) which has a pre-glued sticking side on their back.
So for preparation only light sanding and degreasing is sufficient.

These sheets are very popular in the wavesurf scene and I use them also on my windsurfboard. But with heavy use, you have to replace them after a few years.

For the side-standing with a rather sharp rounding to the deckside (as you can see), I use rubber antislip material (used on yacht decks) which I had to fix with contactglue. A little bit more work but they hold very good despite heavy use.

Last remark. When sailing on a rough sea ,a good antislip standing surface is almost more important than a watertight hull!

Thats why I never sail barefoot, you just dont have the same grip when wearing shoes.
As an alternative you could also use sexwax which is used to apply grip to surfboards, it looks a bit odd but works very well.

Try getting pads for SUPs and cut to size needed. We had custom pads made for our training Open Bics. The kids like them because they're soft and still offer a no slip surface.

skateboard non skid will kill your wetsuits. Another vote here for EVA foam. Another brand option is:

http://www.seadek.com/default.aspx

and only $1241 a roll

How many feet to a roll? Methinks more than you need. The local Ace Hardware has it for sale by the foot. If you only need a few feet, it can't be too much. I have no clue what I paid, but if I don't remember it can't be too bad. I'm a cheap butt.

i followed the link above, then clicked purchasing options - then clicked the first option 36' x 60'

2" rolls of the safety walk tape are a lot cheaper. McMaster carries them in individual rolls, as does Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Safety-Wal... &keywords=3m+safety+walk+tape+medium

Nice!

Does this stuff outlast the grip tape the west marines (and most sail shops i've been to) carry?
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/seafit--non-skid-tape--P004_121_004_010

also how does it stand up to the elements?