Watercraft
Accessories
Review
|
Dri-Dek, a multi-purpose flooring that protects you, your boat,
and your gear
Date: |
7/15/04 |
Tackle type: |
Non-skid
Flooring |
Manufacturer: |
Dri-Dek/Kendall
Products |
Reviewer: |
JIP |
Total Score: 8.25
Introduction:
Whether you're protecting your investment from damage or in need of a
replacement non-skid decking, Dri-Dek is a quick and quality solution for both
boaters and fishermen. The Dri-Dek non-skid flooring is durable, easy
to install, offers great ventilation, and performs extremely well in just about all conditions.
Dri-Dek
Specifications |
Material |
oxy-B1
Vinyl |
Sizes
available |
1'X1' tiles, 3'x4' sheets, 3'X12' rolls, 2"X12" edge, 2"X2" corner |
Colors available |
12 |
Features |
oxy-B1, quick connecting tabs-pins, supportive legs, non-skid surface |
Price per tile |
$3.38 |
About Dri-Dek: Kendall Products, the makers
of Dri-Dek, was founded in 1977. Today they are located in Naples, Florida
where they are known as "A one product company since 1977." That's because Dri-Dek Tiles are used worldwide and in an enormous amount of applications.
Dri-Dek is applied in the shower rooms, gyms, kennels, homes, as vehicle liners,
shelf liners, and of course... for many marine applications for boaters
and anglers.
The Dri-Dek comes in tiles, rolls,
sheets, edges, and corners
Impressions: Upon quick initial
inspection the Dri-Dek appeared to be square tiles that interlock to build up
whatever size or shape is demanded by boaters and anglers. But with further
analysis the Dri-Dek is more than just an oversized set of rubber "legos." The Dri-Dek is a
rigid yet flexible vinyl tile with one side consisting of a non-skid surface
created by many small buttons and a bottom side which features supportive legs made of the
same material. Aside from the 12" X 12" Tiles, Dri-Dek also
manufacturers edges and corners, and comes in many colors to match your boat. In addition, the Tiles are extremely lightweight compared to the heavy kitchen
rubber mats that I've observed in the past.
oxy-B1: Dri-Dek Tiles are more unique
than we previously contemplated. These Tiles are made of oxy-B1 vinyl, a bacteria
fighting material that inhibits a microorganism's ability to absorb oxygen. The oxy-B1 is bonded to the Dri-Dek during the manufacturing process and will
prevent mildew, mold, and bacteria as the Tiles are laid out.
Real
World Tests: The Dri-Dek flooring can be used in many applications, but
since we are all avid anglers, we'll put these Tiles to test on our Boston
Whaler 170 Montauk, where it'll not only protect the surface of the boat but also
prevent slipping and guard fishing tackle from possible damage from impacts.
Laying the tiles out before
connecting them is an important planning process during installation
Installation: Installing the Dri-Dek is
extremely quick and easy, and we recommend that you proceed with the
installation on a warm day rather than cold, or do so in a warm garage. That's because it is much easier to work with the Dri-Dek Tiles when they are
flexible and snapping them together will not hurt your fingers like they would
on a cold winter day. Before you begin do read and follow the instructions
provided with your purchased tiles. For the area you wish to cover, first lay out the
Tiles without snapping them together just yet. Make sure you point the
outer tabs of the Dri-Dek all in the same direction. After the area is
covered without any open gaps, you can now begin the joining process. You don't have to remove all the Tiles, but start snapping them together from
one corner and work your way out. For large installations, Dri-Dek
recommends the use of a hammer, but I rather not when it's on the fiberglass boat deck. Just use your fingers and snap the pins into the tabs which is a fairly easy
procedure. After they have been connected, you can start trimming the
edges and around irregular shapes such as seats, posts, console, etc. Trimming can be done using scissors,
a carpenter's knife, or even wire cutters. On large surfaces, it's recommended that you
make installations in independent sections of approximately 10' X 10' which
allow easy removal for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
The stern area is fully installed
with Dri-Dek. Be sure to keep the sections small for quick removal for
cleaning
Application:
Dri-Dek is a multi-purpose flooring and can be used in everything such as shower
rooms, pool decking, shelf liner, and much more. Boat anglers especially saltwater folks will
benefit from using these vinyl Tiles. The Dri-Dek can be easily
installed on all boats and will protect you boat in an assortment of ways. For
example
if someone accidentally drops a 12 pound downrigger ball on the deck of your boat,
the Dri-Deck will absorb the impact and protect your deck. Without it a lead ball that massive will easily
crack your gel coat and even possibly cause the fiberglass to fracture. We tested its
ability to protect the boat surface by dropping various fishing items onto the Dri-Dek such as cannon ball weights, knifes, grippers, and other items. Not only did it not damage the Montauk's deck but the Dri-Dek took the
punishment without even a scratch to show for it.
Divers who head into the deep either spearfishing
or diving after other sea creatures should install the entire boat deck with
Dri-Dek. Without these flooring, the oxygen tanks and other gear can
easily harm a boat deck. Toss the tanks onboard without
the fear of cracking the boat is what Dri-Dek is all about, protecting your
investment for years of enjoyment.
The oxy-B1 vinyl tiles are easily
cut using a sharp tool. This allows for customization and a perfect
fit around fixed obstacles and corners
Dri-Dek provides a non-skid flooring for areas
that get wet and cause some serious injuries due to slipping. Even
when completely wet, the Dri-Dek material has the ability to grip tightly to the
bottom of your feet through its buttoned surface. Not only will it prevent
the angler from slipping, the flooring will also keep other items on top of the Dri-Dek from slipping and sliding as the boat rocks or while running.
Have you ever gotten water into the boat and get
your stuff wet before it can be bilged out? We have experienced that in
full fledged boats and small pontoons like the Bass Tracker 8 where water comes
onboard, then gets our soft tackle bag, clothes laying on the floor, and other
stuff wet before we can get rid of the water. With the Dri-Dek it lifts
all your gear off the boat's surface while the water can easily flow underneath
the Tiles through its supportive legs to the bilge pump or wait for you to
remove the water by hand. Many times on the 170 Montauk we would
scoop up a bucket of saltwater to rinse off the bloody and slimy boat deck. Without the Dri-Dek in place, the gear, bags, and buckets would
limit water flow into the bilge. Once we installed the Dri-Dek this was no
longer an issue.
Dri-Dek flooring keeps all the
gear onboard from slipping and sliding, and protects the deck from being damaged
Speaking of keeping your gear dry. The Dri-Dek Tiles are great to use in storage areas as well. For example on
bass boats when you throw your wet gear into your locker and the tackle remains
in contact with the marine carpet, it can cause nasty mildew and create a big
mess. If you use a few pieces of Dri-Dek, you can eliminate or prevent
this from happening, especially on large surface items such as anchors,
lifejackets, oars, etc. In addition, we found that the Dri-Dek is superb
for the anchor locker on the Boston Whaler boat where it prevents the sharp
edges from scratching the gel coat and at the same time allows the enclosed area
to dry quicker through the well-vented Tiles.
When pounding waves or even standing on for an
extended period of time the Dri-Dek provides only some shock absorption to one's
aching joints. It is obviously better than the direct hard deck, but
on long days the fatigue can still get to you.
Dri-Dek will protect your boat
deck even if you drop a 12 pound downrigger ball
Durability & Maintenance: The Dri-Dek
oxy-B1 Vinyl is extremely durable and is made to last. The Tiles will not damage easily and can take
plenty of neglect from anglers. The flooring is
flexible, but will not cut easily, even when you accidentally slice it with
a fillet knife. But even when cut and scratched up, the Tiles will still
perform well because of the many supportive legs underneath. Even though
the Dri-Dek's flexibility changes due to temperature, it will not crack, warp,
or split. We have baked these Tiles in direct sunlight for many days
without seeing any degradation in shape nor construction quality.
Cleaning the Dri-Dek Tiles is also exceptionally easy.
You can either wash them on the boat or take them off, and because they are light
in weight and you can install them in smaller section, removing the Dri-Dek for
cleaning is fast and convenient. Simply blast it with freshwater after
every trip and that should do it. If not, take a brush to it, wash, and
then let it dry.
Warranty:
A great product comes with an outstanding warranty. The manufacturer
warrants that for 5 years from the date of purchase that the Dri-Dek flooring
will be free from defects in material and workmanship.
Ratings:
Dri-Dek
Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Great built quality out of durable material that comes with an excellent
warranty period for flooring |
8.5 |
Performance |
Outstanding performance in protecting the boat deck, preventing accidental
slipping, keeping things dry, and much more. Tiles could be made to
provide more body shock absorption. oxy-B1 vinyl fights bacteria and
prevents mildew, mold, and bacteria growth |
9 |
Price |
Some might choose to cover the entire boat deck or maybe just the back half.
To lay Dri-Dek for the entire deck on Montauk ran around $200. Some
might call it expensive, but protecting and keeping the boat in top shape
comes with a price when using lightweight, high performing flooring.
Pennies more than similar products that aren't as great in performance |
8 |
Features |
A
small amount of features that make this non-skid flooring perform how it did
in our tests. The oxy-B1 is a very nice feature to have especially
when anglers usually get things wet |
8 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Ok
comfort level on bare feet, but is a good layer between your shoes and the
hard boat deck. Minimal body shock absorption when pounding waves.
Great design in terms of flexibility and easy to install |
8 |
Application |
This flooring can be used on all boats, for tackle storage, and many other
non-fishing applications. Its ability to easily customize to shape
make it a great all-around flooring |
8 |
Total Score |
8.25 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Non-slip surface |
L
Not best at absorbing shock on the body
while pounding waves |
J
Easy to install |
|
J
Durable |
|
J
Customizable |
|
J
Bacteria fighting |
|
J
5 Year Warranty |
|
Conclusion: Maybe flooring isn't on
every angler's top priority of tackle to buy, but it should be high up on the
list if you
are a boat owner. The Dri-Dek Tiles offer many
benefits to anglers and non-anglers alike. They help protect the boat's deck
from damage if someone drops a heavy or sharp weight, tool, or other gear that
can crack your floor. Aside from protecting your boat, Dri-Dek are
non-skid flooring that will also prevent anglers from slipping when the deck of
the boat is drenched. The Tiles are made durable, designed with
features that perform, and exploits oxy-B1 vinyl to fight bacteria. These
1'X1' Tiles are extremely easy to install and anglers will find them effective
at shielding your boat from harm, while at the same time affording you a secure
footing and peace of mind.