On 22 Feb 2006 07:03:09 -0800, "Kirk" wrote:

Thanks for the tip, John!
Here's a bunch of follow-up questions to deter you from helping me in
the future.

Did you mean to say that you used the foam padding naked instead of
with the vinyl(?) cover? If so, is it the kind of stuff that might
cause rashes in contact with sensitive skin? Was if a matter of
breathability? Could the padding be covered with fabric? Did you affix
them to the floor? What kind of boat do you have?

I used the padding as is. It is made to interlock, so I cut out a paper
pattern while on the boat, came home and cut out the padding on the garage
floor. It is not a 'soft' padding that would cause a rash. The body does
not sink into it. I'm not sure what you mean by breathability. Again, this
is not a soft, cushy padding. It's more like a medium soft rubber. Covering
this with fabric wouldn't work too well. I didn't even consider it because
I wanted access to the storage in my cuddy cabin. With the interlocking
pieces I can remove one or two pieces, get to the storage compartment, and
then put the pieces back. No, I didn't affix them to the floor for the
reason I just mentioned. I have a 21' Proline w/a cuddy. Similar to :

http://tinyurl.com/nqzys , but with an I/O.


What about making the padding removable for drying (Velcro, etc)?
Also, is it worthwhile to look at padding that's marine specific (i.e.
mold, mildew resistant?)


See above removability. I can easily take mine out. I've not had a mold
problem in three years of use.


I'm sorry about pestering everyone here, but I assure you I am taking
notes and will post pictures when I get started.

Unrelated request: suggestions for non-slip mat for the bow. It
should be removable, drain well, non-marring. Durability and ease of
storage are minor concerns. Also, the edges could be anchored to the
bases of the bow rail supports. Just so no one needs to ask, this
would not be used while underway; the boat serves a raft much of the
time, and my wife will be in her second and third trimester this
summer. I'm therefore trying to make the boat as easy to get around on
as possible.

You could probably use this same stuff for the bow. Not sure though. You
could consider RhinoLiner. I've got it in the bed of my pickup and it's
very non-slip. It's a spray-on, and they do boats.


My sincere thanks to all of you.

Kirk Suffka.

--
'Til next time,

John H

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