Non-Skid decks

I would like to know how many guys (or gals) would rather have a Non-Skid Deck in lieu of the carpeted deck of a traditional bassboat.

First off I dont have a bass boat but do have an 1880 walleye boat. Im not sure I would like a non skid deck up front, to easy to slip and fall out. I do enjoy having the non skid in the cock-pit area though, much much easier to clean, and stays surprisingly non slippery.
It that what you were looking for? If not specify a little more and I will see if i can help.

I replaced my carpet a couple years ago and am kind of wishing that I did that. It didn’t take long to put some wear on the new carpet and how easy would it be to clean? Just spray her down and you’re done1

i dont think it would be a very good idea. your rods and reels would get beat to heck without carpet

Saltwater versions of your favorite boat are all non-skid.

It is really a matter of personal preference and where you fish.

I have a tin boat without carpet / added non-skid throughout. This boat is used on the river and there is alot of in-and-out with muddy boots. Makes me smile when the guys with carpet complain about the mud on the carpet.

The Dog.

Randy, do you mean the textured fiberglass that is present underneath a piece of snap-in carpet, or do you mean a true non-skid surface that you would have to paint or roll on?

I was surprised how non-skid the textured fiberglass underneath my snap-in carpet was this winter. As Eric mentioned, that surface is easy to clean by just hosing it off and letting the water drain into the bilge.

Guys will be interested to learn that the 2010 Skeeter WX 1880 will feature snap-in carpet, just as the WX 2100 and WX 1950 do currently. Those boats should start rolling out of the factory in a month or so.

Randy, I’m not sure what you mean by non-skid. I think I get your question though. With that I can say, I HATE the carpet in my Lund. When I upgrade boats it WILL have a removable carpet so I can remove it.

I never understood why manufacturers put carpet in a fishing boat. Mud, blood, and everything else stains the carpet and makes it look nasty. That was one of the big selling points for me regarding glass. Put a washdown kit in and go fishing. If it gets dirty, just fire up the hose.

I got to fish in a guys saltwater rig last year and loved the idea of the true non-skid deck.

The real problem I have is the couple of manufactures I like for new boats don’t offer it. Skeeter so far is what I would go with for a new boat, but as Dan informed me, so far not an option. Manufacftures that do offer it I found have cut corners in their manufacturing in other areas of the boat to make the boat less rigid. i.e. thin consoles, cheap alloy hinges on lids, hollow cavities in lieu of full foam,… Yep, I want it all. A very well constructed boat that will last under my style of fishing and a reasonable price. So far, it just seems like everything is a comprimise. I currently have a Dyna Trak (no longer made) and want something equal in quality or better. Two years of looking and very disapointed

Absolutely not, I have extra padded carpeting on the front area of my rig. That way it’s extra comfortable in bare feet.

One of these days Nic, I need to take the few minute ride over there and check out your rig. Dan must have you on commissions since he suggested it just kidding about Dan, though he did talk about your rig.

Just got back in from the garage working on rigging some gear for this weekend. Man am I excited, Tournament season!!!!!!!!!

Randy, let me know and we’ll hit the water one of these days. This boat is awesome. Should be an exciting weekend for me first time showing off the new Skeeter to my fishing pals up north. Was up pre-fishing pretty close to some of them last weekend and they didn’t even recognize me, even though they were staring and drooling…

I ran a yar-craft storm that had sections of the deck that were textured fiberglass. It was great in spring – fall but any time you got snow or sleet it was one slippery bugger. So it offers some advantages with one distinct disadvantage that I can recall. If your boat doesn’t come out of the garage in the cold a textured deck would be a nice option.

those were my thoughts exactly James. When I redid the Tuffy I considered a “rhino lining” type of interior but realized that this would get very slippery in the winter after you boat a nettable fish.