FAQ
Why should I buy Soft Deck?
We offer the absolute best traction products and a sure footed boat is a safer (and faster) boat. Soft Deck is also the easiest product on the market to install, and the cost of installing our non skid vs a traditional paint on style makes it a great choice. Our real advantage is that because our products are soft, they do not tear up your skin, or gear (wetsuits, etc.). Additionally, this provides an ideal seating surface, especially when combined with 9mm of our shock mitigating pad below the Soft Deck. This makes for a comfortable seating surface that still provides incredible traction and will not slip out from under your feet.
If you typically stand at the helm or other locations for long stretches, or run a fast boat through chop, our shock mitigation line was designed specifically for you. Weighing in at just 12.8oz per square foot, our completely waterproof shock mitigating product will give incredible protection against shock and impact, but it also absorbs small impacts making a long day at the helm far less fatiguing. We also have a (patent pending) completely removable shock mitigation system. Please email or call us for more information about this line.
What installation method is right for me – PSA backing or contact cement?
All our kit pieces come with PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) from 3M. This adhesive backing is the best choice for 95% of applications. However if you are installing pieces over a very aggressive existing nonskid surface, then we recommend using a contact cement on the deck as an adhesion promoter as our 3M PSA sticks incredibly well to contact cement.
Our sheet goods are available with or without PSA. If you are installing your Soft Deck over a questionable bonding surface (dirty, rough, peeling paint), on an area that will get constant water pressure (such as the outside of the hull), or you will be wrapping your Soft Deck around a corner, we recommend using contact cement for the strongest possible bond. However, there are many other good adhesives and epoxies that are a suitable alternative to contact cement.
My boat deck is plastic. Should I use the PSA backing or contact cement to install?
Contact cement is suitable for use on a plastic surface, but if you would like to use a peel and stick product please be sure and choose “plastic adhesive” if you are purchasing sheet goods. Our plastic adhesive is an LS300E specially formulated by 3M to bond to plastics. If you are interested in using some of our deck or seat kits, please contact us via email or phone and we will custom make some kits pieces with LS300E specifically for you.
How long can I expect the decking to last?
Most of our products are rated for 5 years of service if left exposed and in direct sunlight. This includes all of our deck and seat kits, as well as our commercial product line. These products will stay color fast and look new during this period. They do, however, dry gradually over time, and while they will remain useful long after 5 years, they will show their age in the form of drying out. Our manufacturing partners at Pacific Creations are the OEM traction supplier for Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki personal watercraft. Even in the harshest of conditions that PWC users can dish out, these traction products will give years of great service.
Will Soft Deck fade in the sun if my boat is not covered?
If you use any of our deck kits, seat kits, or commercial grade products they will not fade even when left in direct sunlight. If you are interested in purchasing sheet goods, we have a line of “maximum exposure” colors that are great and color fast even when left in direct sunlight. And another line with lots of other color options that are fine if a boat is kept covered or out of direct light. For more information on those lines check out our Sheet Goods page. http://www.soft-deck.com/pages/sheet-goods
How can I clean my decks once I have installed the Soft Deck?
Soft Deck cleans up quickly and easily with your favorite boat soap, or any other cleaning product and a deck brush to get in the grooves. While we don't recommend it, bleaches or other harsh chemicals will not hurt your Soft Deck.
Is it waterproof/does it absorb water?
Soft Deck and our shock pad is made primarily of closed cell EVA foam which means that it will not absorb water, dirt, oil, etc. Here is a little more information on EVA foam. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EVA_foam