Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

Looks like awesome stuff, and good reviews from you guys, but wow it's expensive.

Marideck makes a vinyl covering that is about half the price of Nautolex (but not the Deco Dot style). Sold at Overton's. They sent me some samples, but I just didn't like all the nooks and cranies in the product. Was afraid it would hold dirt and odors. Not sure how well it holds up, but it is more budget priced. Compare the thickness and material sheets, as they are available on both. I think they looked the same on the multi-colored pebbly looking covering.
 

rirory

Seaman
Joined
Feb 20, 2009
Messages
69
Re: Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

As others have stated---your subsurface must be smooth or it will show every imperfection, other than that--it is great. On my current project i have too much floor surface to prep so i'm going with traditional carpet. On smaller projects i have used deco dot w/ excellant results----just sand and fill in. Do not forget to plan for the plywood joints--you must glass them for the right finish.

good luck

rory
 

wishboneZ51

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
135
Re: Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

As others have stated---your subsurface must be smooth or it will show every imperfection, other than that--it is great. On my current project i have too much floor surface to prep so i'm going with traditional carpet. On smaller projects i have used deco dot w/ excellant results----just sand and fill in. Do not forget to plan for the plywood joints--you must glass them for the right finish.

good luck

rory

Interisting, this just deboggles me about the preperation of the Dot Vinyl. How thick is it because I was thinking it has to be atleast 5-8-miles thick. The small imperfections in the subflooring will show through that? Now I did get to see samples to the other stuff which seemed to look pretty thin to me 1-3 mils and definately would require me to prep the subfloor.

My floor is really simple atleast I am thinking it is. The role comes in 72" width lengths and you can get it in yrd incriments. So for my deck I am looking at a single sheet to go from the stern to the bow right under the steering column. That measures out to a little over 10' feet long. So I didn't think I was going to need to match up two pieces of vinyl or have any but joints. Am I missing something here or could this be a simple instilation?
 

zbadboy

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 15, 2009
Messages
87
Re: Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

I plan on redoing the carpet in my boat. I considered Durabak cause you do not have to worry about lining everything up and making sure it is smooth. Anybody used durabak on their deck? Pictures?
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

Interisting, this just deboggles me about the preperation of the Dot Vinyl. How thick is it because I was thinking it has to be atleast 5-8-miles thick. The small imperfections in the subflooring will show through that? Now I did get to see samples to the other stuff which seemed to look pretty thin to me 1-3 mils and definately would require me to prep the subfloor.

My floor is really simple atleast I am thinking it is. The role comes in 72" width lengths and you can get it in yrd incriments. So for my deck I am looking at a single sheet to go from the stern to the bow right under the steering column. That measures out to a little over 10' feet long. So I didn't think I was going to need to match up two pieces of vinyl or have any but joints. Am I missing something here or could this be a simple instilation?

You don't have to make the floor perfect. Just fill any voids with resin paste. Most places I mixed up the paste and applied with a putty knife. Once over with 100 grit and that is good enough. The important thing is to vacuum before applying the glue because any junk that falls on it will make a lump. Happened to me, a container of moth balls fell on the area I just spread glue on. Balls and grit all over. So I scraped the glue off, taking the crap with it, then applied more glue and all was well. Although I didn't have plywood seams to deal with. Probably fill with resin paste and call it a day.

Make no mistake, the regular Nautolex vinyl and Marideck vinyl will hide imperfections easier than the Deco Dot. I wouldn't advise the deco dot unless you really like the look, want the non-slip surface, and don't want nooks and crannies that can (possibly) hold crud and odors.
 

NOOB2Boats

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Messages
17
Re: Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

I know this int what you were asking about, and Im sorry for butting in and give you my two cents, but this is what I am planning on using on the deck of my boat.....

Grizzly Grip
 

rbstewart

Cadet
Joined
Sep 8, 2008
Messages
13
Re: Decko Dot Marine Flooring made by Nautolex

If you/re going to put it down on fibreglass.....get the floor as S M O O T H as you can.....I cannot emphasize that enough. As others have said here you can fill with resin or fairing compound. If you use resin or epoxy, make sure you remove any "blush" from the hardened resin/epoxy.....or the adhesive won't do much good! Make sure the resin/epoxy is FULLY CURED. Rough said before laying down the adhesive

The other nice thing about the adhesive style I referenced is that you can move it slightly and push the bubbles out with your hands or a heavy flooring roller. If you want a little "fudge factor" while laying it down, apply the adhesive to the floor first, then apply to the vinyl. Put the vinyl down while the adhesive on the vinyl is still a little moist (not dry tacky). This will give you the ability to get the bubbles out and shift some if you don't lay it down perfectly.

If you need to do small parts, curved areas, or apply the vinyl to metal panels, a spray adhesive like 3M Spray 90 works well, or use this....

http://www.miamicorp.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=MS2000

its about half the price and works just as well.

The texture on the marine vinyl is meant to be non slip..... and it is. Neither products are made for kneeling on. So yes, its rough on your bare knees if you kneel for extended periods. I kneel on a life jacket while working in my boats which have Nautolex.

I would highly recommend the marine vinyl over the Deco Dot in your case....but other ideas expressed here would suit you as well!

Good Luck!
 
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