Issuma’s decks have been painted with a two-part epoxy paint (Ameron 235) with sandpaper grit mixed in. This works well in most conditions (though the grit is sharp, so it is tough on clothes and sails), but not in packed snow (ie, snow compressed by boots) or ice. The best thing I know of for a non-skid surface in packed snow and ice is Treadmaster, which comes in sheets that you cut to size and then glue onto the deck.
I bought a couple of sheets of Treadmaster on EBay, and cut them into pieces to go along the decks beside the pilothouse (the highest-traffic areas).
The UK company that makes Treadmaster sells glues for attaching it to the deck, but they are not designed for application in Alaskan winter temperatures. I’ve learned by trial and error (mostly error) not to try applying adhesives in temperatures below what the labels say to apply in.
I tried the following for glue:
- Ameron 235 two-part epoxy. This is a paint, but I have successfully used it as an adhesive many times.
- PL 400 adhesive sealant from the local building supply store
- OSI Quad sealant from the local building supply store
So far, all the glues have worked well, but its only been a couple of months. If I find one is better or worse than others, I’ll update this.
I did install some parts of treadmaster with sikaflex a long time ago on (presently) Issuma, did it stand low temps or not
Hello Yann, yes the Sikaflex on the treadmaster you installed held up in the low temperatures.
I considered Sikaflex (and 5200), but it was not rated for application at the temperatures I was applying at (it was too cold for them to cure), that is why I used the other glues.