narrowboatworld

Hi,

I've seen your post about dri-dek and we manufacture a very similar product in the UK. It is quite a bit cheaper than dri-dek. Our website is www.versatile-flooring.co.uk  You can request a free sample on there to see what it's like.

Anyone who makes cratch covers (e.g. Wilsons) will also make stern dodgers.

A dog that gets on or off the boat unless told to do so is a liability.  I would suggest that if you have a problem in this respect and do not know how to sort it then join a dog training class that provides Kennel Club "good citizen" training and use the techniques taught.

With regard to deck coverings, you have two basic choices.  A non slip paint finish or some sort of covering which protects the paintwork.

If you decide on some sort of covering then you should make sure that is well ventilated.  Dri-Dek or similar coverings are excellent, if rather expensive, and you can usually match the paint scheme of your boat.

I use the poor man's  Dri-Dek - Open rubber doormats (about £1.99 from Wilco) joined together with black plastic ties and cut to shape with a stanley knife on top of a waterproof non slip "red oxide" paint.  To cover the large front well and the small back end of my "trad" cost only £17 and has lasted five years but now needs replacing.

Dri-Dek is excellent and will last the lifetime of your boat.  However, I find that my "cheapo" solution works wonders in keeping dirt and grit from the inside of the boat.  Every couple of days, I simply lift the covering and dunk it into the canal to clean it sweeping up what is left on the deck.  This is not possible with Dri-Dek type products due to small tile size.  My small rear deck is in one "tile" and the large front well is in four "tiles".

Whilst the price of Wilco rubber door mats has not increased over the years, it seems that quality may have suffered.  Does anyone know of any reasonably priced alternative?

I must agree with you David that the problem with the rubber matting is that it does retain water, with is why we only use it on the stern deck, the centre hatch being wood.

So perhaps after the re-paint I'll have to agree with She Who Must, etc etc and go for the Dri-Dek, or whatever it is called, as the the sides of the stern deck are metal.

Thomas

On our previous boat the front and back decks were covered with black reeded rubber matting. This eventually produced corrosion problems of the plate under the mats, especially at the front and we were advised that this was inevitable with that type of covering as it retains water underneath.

On our latest boat, which we had new, we had no covering and simply had the steel sanded and painted and just door mats. This worked for about 3 years, but the inevitable nicks which developed in the covering paint started to produce rust blisters, especially at the front. We have therefore gone to using clip together plastic tiles, which are perforated so that water does not collect. Despite reservations it is quite comfortable to walk on, even in bare feet. There are several brands of this available in a variety of colours - the best known (and priciest) is Dri-Dek. It costs between £3-5 per square foot, depending on brand and where you buy it - best to shop around. It is easily cut to shape with a Stanley knife.

As for canvas sides I am sure that any of the cratch cover makers would quote - see the ads in waterway magazines. You might try a coastal chandlery as these dodgers are far more common on sea-going boats (to keep the spray out rather than the dog in) and the market might be more competitive.

David

We have simple fluted rubber matting for our back deck in three pieces - the centre piece being cut to cover the engine hatch, which means it is simple to get down to the weed hatch.

But more important is the dog!  I took Red for one to one training so that he is obedient.  He will not leave the deck, no matter who or what passes by, until either of us say 'off'.  And if we want him back, the word 'on' does the job.  He is a rather large dog as can be seen from the picture, and though friendly to everything and everybody, there are people who do not like dogs, so I believe it is important to have control.

Perhaps you should consider training?  For there will always be a time when any sort  of door will be left open and your dog could be off the boat...

Thomas

We are in the process of having a narrowboat built. It will be a 58' Cruiser stern.

We have seen many advertisements for deck coverings, but would like to know what is best. Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, we have seen cruiser sterns with a wrap around covering around the stern rails and the side openings. As we have a dog who likes jumping off when travelling, we would like to purchase one. But do you think we can find a manufacturer? Any ideas please