faded swim platform

msballin

msballin

Member
May 30, 2008
259
Islip Terrace, Long Island
Boat Info
2000 340 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 7.4L Horizons w/ Hurth V-Drives
good morning - my swim platform seems to be fading in several areas (showing black,gritty surface) and I was wondering if it is possible to paint it. If so, has anyone attempted this and what type of prep is necessary and of course what type of product do I apply.

thanks as always.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL!

Mike
 
Yeah, pics...

Black, gritty surface doesn't make sense at all. Have you tried cleaning with a non-skid deck cleaner, like Starbrite's?
 
Here's the pic of the faded portion of my swim platform. Thx for your assistance.
 

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I seriously doubt that is factory non-skid.
That looks like a painted-on non-skid where the paint has worn off the "high-spots" of whatever non-skid granules were used.
I'd find it hard to believe SR did that, but I've been surprised before.

Is the non-skid on your decks the same??
 
Thanks for your replies. Tobnpr, she is factory - surprise, and NorCal I've sent an email to swimplatforms.com requesting an address to send Scott Samuelson a pic. Will keep you posted.

All that said, has anyone heard of painting a swim platform. Doesn't sound like an unusually odd thing to do. However, not my specialty so I could be completely off base.
 
The non-skid and general shape basically looks like my platform (OEM), except mine is not worn through. Tob - I can see why you said what you said - it is definitely not the "norm" for a platform from Sea Ray to wear through.

Yes, you could certainly paint it with something like Easypoxy or Awl Grip (personally, I would add the appropriate gloss-reducer as otherwise I think it would really stand out... meaning, it would be too shiny).

It could also be re-sprayed with gel.

Awl Grip is better, but it's not "head and shoulders" better. The plus to Easypoxy is how "easy" it is to use (it's one-part). Depending on your surface, you may consider adding more non-skid material.
 
Is it possible the black stuff is mold? Have you tried a bleach solution and letting it soak for a while and then scrubbing with a stiff brush?

Doug
 
I doubt that the non skid is ruined. I had similar looking non skid and the starbrite cleaner removed some of it. I then rubbed the non skid with a firm foam rubbing pad and it removed what was left. I believe what is happening is the gelcoat absorbs some moisture and it turns into mold which you are seeing. It is dificult to remove due to it being absorbed into the gelcoat and wont simply wipe off. Rubbing it with compound will wear off the oxidized gelcoat holding the stain thus removing it. You will in cut down the effectiveness of the non-skid but thats the trade off in removing the stains and preventing future ones. I actually wax the non skid with simple wax-as-you-dry liquid type that is easily worked into the grain. Most often I can hose off bird droppings and other dirt with no traces. It's a BAD idea to wax but I prefer deck shoes and caution to bad looking non skid.
 
Lazy Daze said:
The non-skid and general shape basically looks like my platform (OEM), except mine is not worn through. Tob - I can see why you said what you said - it is definitely not the "norm" for a platform from Sea Ray to wear through.

Yes, you could certainly paint it with something like Easypoxy or Awl Grip (personally, I would add the appropriate gloss-reducer as otherwise I think it would really stand out... meaning, it would be too shiny).

It could also be re-sprayed with gel.

Awl Grip is better, but it's not "head and shoulders" better. The plus to Easypoxy is how "easy" it is to use (it's one-part). Depending on your surface, you may consider adding more non-skid material.
Click to expand...

That's odd- rather than a molded-in non-skid, SR sprinkled granules into the gelcoat while wet and then laid up the glass? Just doesn't sound like good practice. Gelcoat's too thin for that...
 
tobnpr said:
That's odd- rather than a molded-in non-skid, SR sprinkled granules into the gelcoat while wet and then laid up the glass? Just doesn't sound like good practice. Gelcoat's too thin for that...
Click to expand...

No, actually, I'm not sure. I didn't mean to imply that Sea Ray DEFINITELY uses granules - just that my platform looks like his, in regards to overall shape. Sorry for being misleading.

The newer non-skid (diamond pattern) is molded-in. I don't know about the older style. I agree with you, though, it would make more sense for it to molded-in - even the older style.
 
Try scrubbing it with a stiff brush on a pole after you have squirted some Tidy Bowl on it. If it's just mold it should clean up nicely.
 
Wow! Thanks all for your advice and input. Will try the bleaching/scrubbing before getting into the painting. Does make sense since I don't remember laying her up for the winter looking like that. Mold certainly could be the issue. Will go down today and scrub her up and post my results.

Great day up here in the NE. Very tempted to do what I've told my kids not to - play hooky! Enjoy!
 
msballin said:
Does make sense since I don't remember laying her up for the winter looking like that.
Click to expand...

That probably would have been a key piece of info to include in your original post! :smt001

You're right, the weather has been pretty nice as of late. Enjoy your "hard day at work"!
 
Another bit of info too is that some of the plastics on our boats do the same thing as they are porous and absorb water causing mold. The windlass foot pedals and "saucer" TV antenna come to mind.
 
Re: Fantastic pictures

OldSkool said:
Bro, the thread is about swim platform fading. Start a new tread and more will review it if posted correctly.
Just saying.
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