Any reason to cover a fiberglass deck?

[saxrulez]

I recently redid the deck on my boat as the old one was a piece of plywood covering the old rotted deck. The entire deck has been replaced and is fiberglassed in. Is there any good reason people cover the decks with carpet and other things? I'm debating on this fall sanding it smooth and just painting it with topside paint with anti-slip additive mixed in.

So basically, why do people not just leave decks fiberglass typically?

 

[cedarjunki]

Re: Any reason to cover a fiberglass deck?

I recently redid the deck on my boat as the old one was a piece of plywood covering the old rotted deck. The entire deck has been replaced and is fiberglassed in. Is there any good reason people cover the decks with carpet and other things? I'm debating on this fall sanding it smooth and just painting it with topside paint with anti-slip additive mixed in.

So basically, why do people not just leave decks fiberglass typically?

Fiberglass is often susceptible to water incursion and/or sun damage depending on the resin used. Epoxy weakens, with time, in sunlight. Polyesters are subject to water infiltration

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Any reason to cover a fiberglass deck?

A fiberglass deck ought to have some covering--whether carpet, nautolex-type roll vinyl, paint (with texture for anti-slip), Durabak, or what have you--for anti-slip and for UV protection (UV particularly if you used epoxy resin glass).

IMO, only good reason for carpet is for luxury. If you want easy-to-clean, no smell (i.e., fishing or working boat), skip carpet.

I'm going with topside w/anti-slip additive myself; cheapest option, and likely going to be easiest to touch-up when/if needed.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Any reason to cover a fiberglass deck?

paint, yes; carpet no. For the same reason few people carpet the deck around their swimming pool.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Any reason to cover a fiberglass deck?

paint, yes; carpet no. For the same reason few people carpet the deck around their swimming pool.

I'm still in disbelief at the amount of people that redo their decks/transoms/stringers here and then go with carpet on the floor again.

Am I likely to run into any issues using it this summer as is(stays on a trailer in a carport when not in use and covered)? I'm hoping I can wait until fall to sand and paint the deck. I don't think I will have any problems with that, but if anyone has any insight/experience with it, please let me know!