Raptor decking

T

trailertrawlerkismet

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2011
Messages
2,518
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Vessel Name
(2022) Kismet
We have a 2022 R25OB that was built with the teak and holly rubberish cockpit and swim platform decking. Today I noticed 2 of the swim platform pieces coming loose, by several inches by a foot or so long. Here are my questions….. is this the Raptor product? Has anyone had experience re adhering sections or do they replace them? I ask as on raptors website they review new installs as peeling back the protective paper to expose the factory applied adhesive to then apply on a clean surface.

Let me know your thoughts or experiences.

Jim F
 
I am dealing with the same issue - one of the larger pieces on the swim platform had come almost all the way off. I contacted Raptor to see if I could re-attach it and this was their response:

"This does happen from time to time. There is no great way to reattach it. The best move is to just replace your panel which will have fresh glue. You can use contact adhesive, of course, but we don’t recommend it, as eventually removal is bad news."

I'm waiting on the quote to order the new piece. Our boat is a 2020, and I installed the decking after we got it, so it's only a couple of years old. Overall the decking has been great to have, and if this is the only issue, I'll still be happy with it. If I have to keep replacing panels though...
 
Below is my post from a discussion a year ago. Title of the discussion is "Foam Decking" You should be able to do a search for it. There is a fair amount of information on Raptor Decking.

"The Raptor decking in our C28 cockpit bubbled up and started coming unglued this past summer right after the heat wave in mid-July reached temperatures of 100 degrees. I spoke with Raptor Deck folks and they were surprised that happened, but said they could replace the large middle piece in the cockpit for $600. I passed and will try to remove the bubble and glue it down myself. Otherwise, I really like the product and it is easy on the knees."

I have started using double-sided Gorilla tape in certain areas to keep it down; however, more and more sections are now coming unglued.
 
I have a 2022 Cutwater 30 and am experiencing this very same problem. It’s a big piece of the decking located on the starboard side of the swim platform that appears to be dehydrating, shrinking, and coming loose. Right now I can lift up about 8” of the inside corner. I’ve filed a warranty claim thru my dealer and am awaiting the factory response. If it’s covered under warranty I’ll have them replace it. If it is not I’m considering taking all of the material off the platform. I understand it is a difficult job to get all the material and adhesive off. The platform seems like an odd place to have installed the decking and I find it interesting this is the location where several of us are experiencing a problem.

Rob
 
Does anyone know who installs the Raptor decking at Fluid Motion? Is it FM employees or Raptor employees?
 
I had installed the same decking & have all kinds of problems.
Raptor said it was because of the sun! I guess they think that their product should just be used outdoors.
 
Matt, it’s my general understanding that somewhere around 2021/2022 the factory took over the decking and does it in-house, including install. I do NOT know this for certain though.

Rob
 
I had Raptor install our decking two years ago (all over our R31-CB) and we have had no issues thus far (fingers crossed).
 
I had some success using 3M spray adhesive to secure my decking but after a couple of years I had to bite the bullet and replace it. Being in Florida I decided to go with Gator Step as it's supposed to hold up better in the hot Florida sun. So far so good but it's only been a little over a year.
The swim platform decking was removed as soon as I got the boat as it was peeling off from being underwater while underway. The surveyor told me that because it's constantly being submerged it woul be better if it was removed. I used a lot of Goof- Off, Acetone, a scrub brush, and a rub off wheel. It took awhile but came out good and after a season of cruising and the Florida sun doing it's thing it looks like new.
Terry
 
CaptT said:
I had some success using 3M spray adhesive to secure my decking but after a couple of years I had to bite the bullet and replace it. Being in Florida I decided to go with Gator Step as it's supposed to hold up better in the hot Florida sun. So far so good but it's only been a little over a year.
The swim platform decking was removed as soon as I got the boat as it was peeling off from being underwater while underway. The surveyor told me that because it's constantly being submerged it woul be better if it was removed. I used a lot of Goof- Off, Acetone, a scrub brush, and a rub off wheel. It took awhile but came out good and after a season of cruising and the Florida sun doing it's thing it looks like new.
Terry
Click to expand...
How is the Gator Step holding up? I'm trying to decide what to use to replace my Raptor Decking. I'm in VA and on hot days the Raptor Decking bubbles up.
 
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