Removing the Swim Platform Decking

[RobMcClain]

When we ordered our C30 in 2021 we specifically asked that the foam decking material not be applied to the swim platform. By this time FM was producing the material in-house. The factory essentially told us the boat comes with the decking material installed on the platform and they would not honor our request. It looks nice enough, but now 2 years in we have 2 large foam sections that have lost adhesion and are lifting up. One of the pieces has also begun to shrivel and shrink. I’ve been told this material is no longer under warranty. The material in the cockpit is still fine, it is just what is on the platform that is the problem. I’m considering pulling up all of the sections on the platform since we never wanted it there in the first place, but I’ve been told by folks (including a dealer) it is extremely difficult to remove the adhesive from the fiberglass platform and all its crevices. Has anyone had experience removing the decking and remaining adhesive? If so, any tips or recommendations?? I’m not anxious to create a bigger problem. I simply want to end up with a swim platform that looks clean and white, like the rest of the fiberglass.

Rob

 

[S. Todd]

I have not tried it, but Acetone is pretty effective for removal of such unwanted materials. Furthermore, it should not harm the fiberglass because that is what the fiberglass is cleaned with before application of such decking. If you have places where it has pulled away it should be easy to try cleaning with Acetone.

 

[JeffreyAC77]

It's interesting to me how I have read about problems with the foam decking and it never seems to be decking that was installed by the vendor (Raptor etc.). We have it on nearly all flat surfaces on our R31-CB and none has come up in two years (installed by the manufacturer).

 

[it4llc]

I installed the Raptor decking on our boat, and have had it come up on the swim platform, and the big piece in the cockpit just inside the transom gate. I was meticulous in installing it - cleaning, then cleaning with acetone, etc before installing. I think what happened is that the edge of the decking did not go all the way over the non-slip enough, so there were small gaps where the water got under the decking, eventually causing it to lose its adhesion. (Or maybe it did, but through usage got knocked up around the edges.) Whether the issue was because I didn't line it up 100% correctly, or it was just a touch too small to seal all the way around the non-stick well enough, I'm not sure. I have ordered a replacement piece for the first section that came up, but haven't put it on yet to see if it's alignment or size...

 

[RobMcClain]

I am embarrassed to say I hadn’t actually thought about testing removal of the adhesive by using acetone under the part of the flooring that has come loose. I’ll give this a try as it should indicate what removing all of the platform pieces might entail.

Regarding replacing the 2 large bad pieces with new decking, I’ve been advised by the factory the color shade has changed so pieces matching the shade of grey used on the 2022 models are no longer available. Thus, for anyone considering replacing panels it will likely require removal of all the old pieces so the new color shade will be uniform - at least in the area involved.

Rob

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Acetone is very effective in cleaning fiberglass of adhesive contaminants but you need to be careful. If acetone sits or pools on fiberglass, it will soften it. You'll need to be careful on a horizontal surface like a swim platform with molded in anti-skid. Work in small sections and as long as you are able to wipe on / wipe off you should be fine.

 

[Mastercraft]

Two different acetone tests:
1) use a black rag, if it shows any white … STOP
2) put a few drops of acetone on your thumb print, press on fiberglass for 10 seconds, if you see your thumb print embedded in gel coat …. STOP. ( a few drops on your thumb, won’t kill you)

 

[CaptT]

I removed mine from a 2015 28 Cutwater when I purchased it used in 2019. The padding was lifting off the swim platform and had some signs of deterioration. I used an eraser wheel, acetone and the professional grade of goo gone. I also used 3M adhesive remover and a scrub brush , to get into the anti-skid surface. It took awhile but came out looking good. After a few months in the Salt water and the sun it looked as good as new.
These are the eraser wheels I used and between these and the scrub brush it made the job a bit easier.
https://www.amazon.com/Belinova-Remover ... r=8-7&th=1
Hope this helps.
Terry
PS edit Make sure you have plenty of clean rags to wipe the "gooey stuff" off.

 

[Mastercraft]

Search Amazon for “plastic razor blades”. NO JOKE

Search Amazon for “blue scotch brite”.

Both are very useful for misc working around boats.

Do not use green scotch brite, it is abrasive on fiberglass

 

[gswearin]

I'd imagine its the same as SeaDek. Here are the SeaDek instructions (acetone)
https://www.seadek.com/wp-content/uploa ... SeaDek.pdf

 

[jack_patricia]

That SeaDek removal instruction sheet is excellent! Thank you.

 

[Eagle 2]

Acetone, or Goo Gone, and heat! get a heat gun, warm it up, then acetone/goo gone, to do the rest. But don't misunderstand, it's still gonna be a full project with lot's of patience!