Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: SEADEK or AQUA Track? FoamDecking

Posted by BigWylie on 08/06/21 - 5:59 AM
#1

Anyone add the new Foam deck to their whalers? I am researching options for our Ventura21 ( '01). My concerns are focused on Durability and Future removal on the Deck if necessary. It uses a 3M adhesive. Finished results are amazing and it could give a nice update to our mostly sport & and small amount of fishing Ventura. It is Noon Porous and very easy washdown ( non Staining -even with fish bood-video mktg). Any experiences or Opinions??

Posted by Phil T on 08/06/21 - 7:41 AM
#2

Expect to pay 1-1.5K but be warned.

It is not repairable, hard to remove. I would go with removable pads or sections.

Look at www.Dri-Dek.com

Not adhered, easy to remove, durable, lets water flow under it. Look at my personal page.

Posted by BigWylie on 08/10/21 - 9:33 AM
#3

Thanks for the feedback PhilT. I have not seen any installs and was curious if anyone has installed it. I will check out DriDek

Posted by Phil T on 08/10/21 - 10:24 AM
#4

Just placed my order to do the entire floor of my boat.

Will be making videos of the install once it arrives. I will be creating an install post for owners to follow.

Posted by roadpupp on 08/10/21 - 10:43 AM
#5

I did my Ventura 21 with Sea Dek from Castaway Customs. First season but loving it. Paid just under $2K.

https://i.imgur.com/5tGDVgp.jpgtGDVgp.jpg

Edited by Phil T on 08/11/21 - 7:08 PM

Posted by BigWylie on 08/11/21 - 7:03 PM
#6

Roadpupp- Thanks for the Pic! I really like the look! I have found a few local vendors here in Toronto. I am just not sure how to maintain it or If ultimately necessary, remove it.

I am sure the 3M ad hesive has a remover solvent too? Every new $400K ski boat has opted for this new material. i was out on a super nautique this year and every inch of the boat was foam decked. It was uber comfy on evryones toes and dried immediately after every Wakesurfer. It was quite impressive.

Im looking at the teak w a cream OR white for ours. What made you opt for the grey/white? We don't do any 'major' fishing so staining and washdown are less of an issue here. When you have an opportunity, please post a forward view from the transom looks like a great job!


Phil T-thank you for the response. I had some DriDek on our old Runabout. I was great material too and Yes - Removable. It lasted many years but we had the white colour and it was hard to keep all the tiny corners clean. we would scrub each tile down a few times a season. Not really comfortable on the feet. We're looking to make this a bit more lux.

Edited by BigWylie on 08/11/21 - 7:05 PM

Posted by roadpupp on 08/19/21 - 8:29 AM
#7

Big Wylie-

I chose Grey because the boat came with grey piping on the white upholstery from the factory and i was redoing them to match OEM. There was also a red over grey pin stripe on the sides.

I chose grey over white, (Actually storm grey over light grey) as I don't love the black edging and saw a few complaints about the thin black edge curling up from heat in a few instances.

I too have some concerns about what a job it would be to remove it but like you, I see many boats with foam flooring and assume there is a solution when I may need it. This is my first season with it and it makes a rather stark white interior a bit softer and more inviting. I could never get the white fiberglass floor completely clean.

I cover my boat for the winter and expect it to last many years. I have asked several owners with 5+ years on their floors and they all said only minor wear on theirs. I also expect I could have a few pieces remade in the future in high wear areas.

No pics at the moment, i will see if I can remember to take some.

Posted by Spin 1 on 08/19/21 - 10:57 AM
#8

Question for you Wylie. Is keeping the deck clean part of the problem why you are looking to cover it?

Posted by BigWylie on 10/31/21 - 12:36 AM
#9

Hi SPIN 1,

No cleanliness is not the issue. I keep my boats drydock and pristine. Power washed regularly.
Apparently the Foam deck Power washes just great!

I picked up this 2001 Ventura in September.
It was a bit "salty" bu it just needed some TLC. ( had a Survey and Mechanical on the Motor )
I'm a sailor for the past 45 yrs on a 36'CS. A Racing/Cruiser with Lots of high end finishes and elegance.
We just sold it in 2018 and I sold my old 16' Whaler style 'Dingy' (Barkley Young), so now this slightly larger 21' whaler is my new pride and Joy!

I have removed all signs of SW wear from the motor, changed any decaying Bolts to stainless where needed. transom, Bilge Area...etc.
I have opened up the deck to access Fueltank and Bilge area for a solid Cleaning.
Fuel Vent and Head Vent have been replaced.
Raw Water Hose connection upgraded,
ADDED Aerator for the live well- in case I actual catch a Decent sized fish!
New Bottomkote 2000 and Fresh coat of Interlux XXX.
Polished all Stainless Steel. (baking soda/Fresh Navel orange and some dishsoap)... -amazing! then a Stainless polish/protector.

Our use is a family bowrider. Nobody else needs to know what an amazing Beast thease are on heavy water...
The trend, even on the new 2021/2022 FLIBS Whalers is to EVA foam deck.
It really is a lux feel for fair weather boaters.

It is an expensive option to get a retail pro foam deck company to do the job. I have found slabs on amazon but they dont have finished margins and that elegant look I would like to achieve. If Im going to pay for the material, I may as well get the job done right.

My 210 Ventura was a bit neglected ... I am not like that with my boats.
The cushions were in perfect condition
Bow cover and Bimini were also great cond.
Topsides of the Hull were in need of a good compound and Wax buff.. they came up great!
Waterline needed MArine Spray Nine and a good scrub, then wax.

Its Just the deck now that is so stark and large?
Great for a utility whaler, but we want this for more of the "family Bowrider."
I may just Foam the forward half from the helm forward?
( Like a reverse Mullet- Party in the Bow, Workhorse in the stern?) Haha

I will be transforming this to feel more like the new Vantage series.
If I can find it, I will also be investing in a Vantage 230 Passenger flip down lounge if it will fit. Different thread - looking for the dimensions. I think it will fit perfectly?

I love the performance of this boat and now want to add minor custom solutions.
Teak Boarding Step Pads,
Add anchor lightts/Mooring Lights in the bow.
Teak on the Helm panel and Foot rest.
Maybe a Wakeboard tower ( thinking about the INDY MAX?)
New GPS ( Any Suggestions?) ( Elite 5 is too small)
Upgrade the Old Courtesy lights to RGB Strip LEDs.
New Jabsco Electric Helm( Wifes requirement to allow me to buy a boat!)
New Striping decals ( maybe even a full Wrap? I've seen a few great Wraps.
Some type of Onboard Power Inverter and Shore power inlet to a charger.
12 V Refrigeration ( Cold Box)
Fish Holder - Kenyon 12 V BBQ
CUSTOM Bow Table Teak and Stainless Steel ( Again circa Vantage series)
Transom Lights ( Quattro RGB)
Trim Tab( Considering) depending on how well I figure out the Power trim.
the ride seems a bit un balanced by passenger weight?

It's my new 'Toy" and I want to get excited every time I get to use it!
It is a long list , but I have the time