Gelcoat Deck Non-Skid [[Carolina Skiff Rebuild Part 15]]

Carolina Skiff non-skid in the 90's was about ugly. As well as not very affective. One of my main goals with this skiff build was to have a nice non-skid deck coating. While keeping in mind my limited ability to apply it. Without a large air compressor and special air gun. The roller method was about my only option.
A few months back I did a test to see if the fine abrasive particles were going to be coarse enough. I used a small piece of fiberglass I had left from strengthening the ribs. I applied one thick coat of gelcoat without wax. Then sprinkled a heavy coat of non-skid particles all over. After that had set I brushed off the excess non skid particles. Then applied a finish coat of waxed gelcoat on top of the non-skid. I was very pleased with how it turned out. Enough for a true non skid, but not so rough it would be like sandpaper on bare feet.
Everything with this application is time sensitive. You have to apply your first layer of gelcoat quickly. Leaving enough time before it sets to cover it with non-skid particles. If you take to long it will not stick. When you brush the excess off you will have bare spots. Also you have to let the first layer without wax cure completely. If not you will have a mess when you go to brush off the excess non-skid. Once that is done it’s not to bad. The fish waxed gelcoat layer is just like any other.
I thought I had a little trouble with getting the non-skid to stick, but actually it did fine. Due to the very thick first layer of gelcoat, it made it look like it didn’t stick. In actuality it was so thick the non-skid was incapsulated by the gelcoat. After I figured out that my first coat didn’t need to be so thick. It was all up hill from there.
Like always I rushed through this part of the project. Which costed slightly aesthetically, but I was still very happy with how it turned out. On one or two areas I got the base layer of gelcoat way to thick. When the light is right you can see the transition. For me it isn’t worth the time to sand down and fix. At this point I just want to get it on the water.
I hope that everyone enjoyed this video. I tried to hit the main points without going to in depth. There are a lot of good videos out there on this topic. If anyone would like a more in depth video leave me a comment. Mainly I wanted to cover this monumental step in the skiff build. It was a good feeling to see one more piece of the build completed. Thank you to everyone who has subscribed, liked, commented, and watched! It is amazing to see the channel grow and hear feedback from you!
Links:
Non-Skid Paint Additive - Quart for 5 gallons - FINE Anti-Slip Particles Fas-Grip www.amazon.com/dp/B07576575F/...
fiberglasssupplydepot.com/GEL...
fiberglasssupplydepot.com/Tac...

[@Joey_Randazzo]

If you ever do another build or want to redo the non skid on this boat, the best way to do it is to use the gel coat you already have and buy some cabosil or some kind of thickening agent. Once the whole boat is rolled out with the amount of gel you want, mix in enough gel and cab to do like a 4 x 4 area. Roll it out and spread evenly. Then use a loop roller on and go over the area. The more you do it, the finer the non skid. Let it dry, and then sand down lightly to the desired texture. You can tape off anything you want to have clean lines. It looks awesome and it legit non skid.

[@smacktalk2753]

Damn fine fishing boat!!! Glad the old lady got to pushing on you

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

Thank you I am trying my best. As long as she isn’t pushing me out the door I guess it’s ok.

[@thelyingfish8465]

Doesnt look bad at all for a good ol fishing boat

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

Thanks. I hope it turns out 1/2 way decent in the end. I have put a lot of time into it so I have high hopes!

[@thelyingfish8465]

@@FishHuntCookTinker I have enjoyed watching the entire process! I hope you can make some good fishing videos on the boat as well!

[@brentwoodard2627]

We took black gel coat and wet the brush with it and throw it around to create a splatter not only breaks up but really hides imperfections which is why Carolina skiff does it at the factory

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

That makes sense. I’m sure it keeps you eyes focused on the specks. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@joesloan1724]

Paint area you wish to tape off. Let dry. Apply tape. Paint with skid. Remove tape. Apply finish coat to all.

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

That was my plan. My issue was time. I decided to forgo the tape to just get it finished. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@30secondswithDan]

I’m wanting to rebuild my boat as well and I was wondering… do you think it would work if you put that fast grip in the gel coat and rolled it together?

[@mikemarino6989]

New 300 yamaha on the back?

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

I wish! I think she would set a little to low. Going back with the old 70 hp Johnson for now.