The operation of the boat, whether it is a budget aluminum “Kazanka” or a modern RIB, invariably confronts the owner with the need to balance between functionality and comfort. The cold metal of the deck underfoot, the slippery surface after rain and the constant noise when cruising are factors that can turn a pleasant fishing into a test of endurance. slip-freeamong which are products Marideck It occupies a leading position due to its unique texture and durability.
Choosing the right material for the bottom of the boat is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a critical part of ensuring safety on the water. The Marideck system based on EVA foam (ethylene vinyl acetate) is able to reduce noise and vibration by up to 70% compared to a bare aluminum deck. This is especially true for those who are used to sneaking up on fish silently or just appreciate the silence at dawn. Unlike traditional mats that soak up water and rot, modern composite solutions create a monolithic layer, not exposed to ultraviolet and salt water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the application process, the nuances of choosing adhesives and surface care to ensure that your tuning lasts decades. You will learn why surface preparation is 90% success and what mistakes beginners make when trying to save on materials. Deep immersion in the topic will help you avoid common pitfalls and get a result comparable to the factory execution of expensive yachts.
Advantages of using EVA coatings in small shipbuilding
The main reason for the popularity of materials type Marideck It's in their physical and chemical properties, and the ethylene vinyl acetate that makes the plates has a closed-cell structure, which makes it absolutely impossible to do that. hygroscopicThe water doesn't penetrate the material, it stays on the surface, where it can be removed easily, which is a big difference from the old rubber mats or carpets that became a breeding ground for bacteria and a source of bad smell after each step.
In addition to water resistance, you have to highlight the tactile and acoustic specifications. heat-insulatorAnd you can't underestimate the acoustic comfort of cruising barefoot, even on sun-hot aluminum or cold metal in the early spring, because the sound of footsteps doesn't scare fish or annoy people on the boat. For fishermen who spend 10 to 12 hours in a boat, it's a significant factor in reducing fatigue.
- 🛡️ Anti-corrosion protection: The material creates a barrier between the aggressive aqueous medium and the metal of the housing, preventing oxidation.
- 🦶 Ergonomics and anti-slip: The textured surface provides a reliable grip even in the wet state, reducing the risk of injury.
- 🎨 Aesthetics and customization: The ability to choose the color and shape of the elements allows you to create a unique interior of the boat.
And it's important to note that the quality coating doesn't burn out when you're exposed to UV rays, and the pigment is injected into the mass of the material during the granule production phase, so the color stays saturated for years. Marideck And its counterparts are the preferred choice for open decks, where the sun shines almost constantly, and unlike paint, which cracks and peels over time, EVA foam retains its elasticity.
Preparation Works: The Key to Coverage Durability
Any boat repair professional will tell you that the quality of the adhesion depends on the preparation of the base. If you plan to put the coating in the boat yourself, remember: degreasing It's not just a formality, it's the most important step, and even microscopic traces of oil, lubrication or aluminum oxides can lead to the flaking of the plates through the active season.
The process starts with mechanical cleaning. If the boat is new, remove the factory lubricant. If the boat is used, you need to thoroughly clean the old glue residue, paint or rust. Aluminum is great for using abrasive materials with graininess P80-P120. After cleaning, the surface should become matte and rough, which will increase the contact area for the glue.
☑️ Checklist for surface preparation
The final touch of the training is chemical degreasing. acetone, isopropyl Or specialized degreasers. Rub the surface with clean rags, constantly changing it so as not to smear the dirt. After processing, try not to touch the surface with your hands, because skin fat also reduces adhesion. It is better to do the work in a dry room at a temperature of at least + 15 ° C.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use solvents containing chlorine (for example, some types of low-quality white spirit) for degreasing, since they can react with aluminum and cause corrosion under the coating.
Installation technology: marking and cutting material
Once the base is ready, there's a creative stage that requires precision -- cutting. Marideck It's usually in sheets or plates of a certain size, and you need to make a precise pattern before you cut the material, and for complex shapes, use dense paper or cardboard, putting it on the floor of the boat and encircling the contours with a marker.
When cutting the EVA foam itself, it's important to use a sharp tool. A dull knife will tear the material, leaving unaesthetic edges that may eventually start to shag. Building knives with interchangeable blades are ideal. Cut the material from the front side, gently pressing the blade to the base, but not cutting through it the first time - so you avoid displacement of the bottom layer.
Nuances of glue work
The secret to good installation lies in the exposure time of the open exposure. After applying the glue on both surfaces (both on the boat floor and on the stove), you need to wait 10-20 minutes (depending on the temperature and type of glue) until the glue becomes sticky to the touch, but does not soil the fingers. If you glue it immediately, the glue will be squeezed out, and the seam will be noticeable.
Pay special attention to the docking of elements. The plates are laid together, without gaps. To create decorative seams (imitation of teak deck) between the elements leave a gap of 3-5 mm, which can then be filled with sealant in color, although most often in the form of a sealant. Marideck You use a tightly packed or non-facing method to create a monolithic surface, and when you stack in difficult places (around the cans, near the sides), make omissions that you cut after you have first estimated.
Selection of adhesive composition and adhesion process
The choice of adhesive is a time when you can't save money. Conventional household adhesives can't withstand water conditions, temperature changes, constant humidity and dynamic loads. contact-coupled Or two-component polyurethane compounds, which provide an elastic seam that works to stretch and compress with the material.
The technology of applying glue requires care. The composition is applied in a thin, uniform layer with a tooth spatula (usually with a tooth height of 2-3 mm) or roller on both glued surfaces. As mentioned in the spoiler above, it is critical to withstand the time of "open exposure", which depends on the ambient temperature: the colder, the longer the glue dries.
| Parameter | single-component glue | Two-component glue |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Polychloropren | Polyurethane |
| Seizure time | 15.30 minutes. | 20-40 minutes. |
| Elasticity | High. | Medium/High |
| Resistance to water | Great. | Excellent. |
The gluing process starts from the center of the boat or from the side, depending on the configuration. The stove is carefully placed in place and pressed heavily. To remove air bubbles and ensure uniform contact, use a solid rubber roller. The roller should move from the center to the edges. If the bubble is still left, it can be gently punctured with a thin needle and rolled back until the glue is frozen.
Use paint tape to fix the plates during the drying process if there is a risk of them displacing, but remove it until the glue is completely cured so as not to damage the surface.
Coverage care and operational features
After installation, the coating Marideck However, to preserve the appearance and properties of the material for many years, it is recommended to follow a number of simple rules: Regular washing with fresh water after each exit, especially if you have swam on salt water, will help prevent the accumulation of salts in the micropores of the texture.
To clean up from heavy contaminants, fish mucus or oil, use soft detergents and a brush with non-rigid bristles. Abrasive powders and hard metal brushes can damage the top layer of the texture, making it more susceptible to dirt. Avoid contact with open fire and sparks, as EVA foam, despite the addition of flame retardants, is a combustible material.
- 🧼 Daily care: rinse with water and wipe with soft rags.
- 🚿 Deep cleaning: once a season to use special products for PVC and rubber.
- 🌡️ Storage: In winter, it is better to store the boat in assembled form or in a straightened state, avoiding the curtains.
In winter, if the boat is kept outside under an awning, the coating may be covered with snow or ice. You can't mechanically clean the ice (with a shovel, scraper) - you damage the structure. Wait for the thaw or bring the boat into heat. The material is high (up to -40 ° C and below), but in the cold it becomes harder, and the risk of mechanical damage increases.
Comparing Marideck with Alternative Solutions
There are several alternatives to EVA coatings in the boat finishing market, and it is important to understand their differences. corrosion-resistant It's cheaper to use paints with added quartz sand, but less comfortable and wears out faster. Rubber mats are cheaper to buy, but they're harder to wash, and they often pop up when water gets under them.
Natural teak is a premium class that looks great, but requires constant care, oil coating and is many times more expensive than synthetic analogues. Marideck And these materials are in the middle of a kind of comfort, a kind of tick-like appearance, but they don't have the moodiness and the price tag, and they have a high-quality EVA coating that lasts 10 to 15 years, which is the same as the life of the boat itself.
EVA-coatings of the Marideck type are the optimal balance between price, durability and comfort of operation for PVC boats and aluminum boats.
When choosing between brands, pay attention to the density of the material (usually 180-220 kg / m3) and the quality of the adhesive layer if you buy self-adhesive options. However, professionals still recommend using a separate adhesive, since factory self-adhesive coating often has a lower adhesion resource compared to manually applied adhesive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I glue Marideck on the old painted floor of the boat?
Yes, you can, but only if the old paint is very strong, it has no bloating or cracking, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned (wrapped) and degreased, if the paint crumbles or flakes off, it must be completely removed to the metal, otherwise the coating will go away with the paint.
How long does the glue dry after installation?
Primary grip occurs after 24 hours, but the glue gains full strength within 3-7 days depending on temperature and humidity. It is recommended to operate the boat (load weight, wet with water) no earlier than 2-3 days after the end of work.
Do I need to lay the aluminum floor before gluing?
In most cases, polychloroprene adhesives do not require primer, but rather a high-quality degreasing. However, if you use two-component polyurethane adhesives or if aluminum has a specific factory coating, the adhesive manufacturer may recommend using a primer to improve adhesion.
Is the oil and gasoline coating afraid?
EVA material is resistant to short-term contact with fuels, but prolonged exposure to gasoline or oil can cause swelling or color change. Spilt fuel should be wiped immediately. Regular contact with oil makes the surface slippery, which is dangerous.