If you're tired of burning your feet on a hot fiberglass porch every summer, you've likely found yourself stuck between choosing SeaDek vs Marine Mat. These are both biggest names in the world of PE/EVA foam decking, and while they might look nearly identical in pictures, there are some real-world differences that will might make you trim one way or the other. Choosing the right one isn't just about which usually logo you including better; it's regarding how you use your boat, how much work you want to do yourself, and how much you're willing to invest.
For the long time, the options for vessel flooring were fairly limited. You possibly had bare fiberglass that was slick when wet, itching marine carpet that stayed damp for days, or expensive real teak that required a ton associated with maintenance. Then arrived the foam trend. Both of these types of brands offer a closed-cell foam item that doesn't absorb water, supplies a load of grip, plus feels great underfoot. But let's obtain into the weeds of how these people actually stack upward against one another.
The Brand Traditions and Recognition
SeaDek is actually the Kleenex from the polyurethane foam decking world. These people were the 1st to really blow up the marketplace, and because of that, their name is usually often used in order to describe the item category in general. They've been at this for a long time, and their reputation is built upon high-quality materials plus a massive network of certified contractors. If you purchase a brand-new vessel today from an expensive manufacturer, there's a very high chance it comes through the factory with SeaDek already set up.
Marine Mat is often viewed as the primary opposition. They haven't been around quite as long as SeaDek, but they've obtained an enormous following by offering features that will SeaDek didn't have initially. They focused heavily on the particular DIY market and introduced some clever ways to install the mats without permanently gluing them to your deck. This competition has been great for us boaters because it's pressured both companies to keep innovating.
Material Differences and Feel
Whenever you compare SeaDek vs Marine Mat side-by-side, you'll see the materials are very similar, however the "feel" can end up being different. Both use a blend of EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) and PE (Polyethylene) foam. Nevertheless, SeaDek tends in order to feel a little bit smoother and more "squishy" underfoot. This is definitely great if you spend all day long standing up at the helm or if you have bad legs, as the shock absorption is top-tier.
Marine Mat, however, often feels a bit denser and firmer. Some boaters prefer this particular because it can feel a bit more durable against heavy foot traffic or the occasional dropped fishing lure. It doesn't mean SeaDek isn't long lasting, but the harder density of Marine Mat can occasionally resist tearing simply a little bit better if you're particularly rough on your gear. That said, the smoother feel of SeaDek is often exactly what people are looking for whenever they want that will "luxury" feel on their swim platform.
The Installation Video game
This is usually where both brands really start to diverge. If you want a professional in order to handle everything, SeaDek has a large advantage. They have a massive system of "certified fabricators" who will arrive to your boat, use a 3D scanner to chart your floor flawlessly, and then return a few weeks later to glue it lower. It's a white-glove service, but you're going to pay the premium for this.
Marine Mat actually shines within the DIY space. They've produced it very easy for the average ship owner to perform their own templating. You can order a DIY design template kit, trace your own floor, and deliver it in return to them. While SeaDek provides this too, Marine Mat's business structure seems a bit more geared toward the guy working on his boat within the driveway upon a Saturday.
Another huge differentiator for Marine Mat is their Snap-it series. Whilst most foam decking is "peel-and-stick" utilizing a 3M pressure-sensitive backing, Marine Mat offers a version that button snaps into place. It is a game-changer for people who don't need to permanently glue something to their particular fiberglass. It allows you to take the mats out in order to deep-clean them or even the floor underneath, which is some thing you just can't do with SeaDek.
Heat Preservation and UV Opposition
One of the main factors people take a look at SeaDek vs Marine Mat is to stop their feet from burning. Both components are lightyears much better than bare white fiber glass or dark-colored gelcoat. However, they may still get comfortable if they happen to be in immediate sunlight all day, specifically if you select a dark colour like charcoal or black.
SeaDek has done lots of work on their particular UV stability to ensure the colors don't fade or "fuzz" over time. Foam decking may eventually start to break down and become a bit chalky if it's left under the sun for years without a cover. SeaDek's formula is definitely specifically designed in order to fight this. Marine Mat is also very high-quality in this regard, but because SeaDek provides been in sunlight for more decades, they have a lot of long-term information to back upward their durability. Irrespective of which a person pick, keep your motorboat covered if you aren't making use of it. It'll make your investment final twice as lengthy.
Cleaning plus Maintenance
Let's be honest, vessels get dirty. Whether it's fish bloodstream, spilled coffee, or muddy footprints, your own flooring is going to have a beating. Both SeaDek plus Marine Mat are usually "closed-cell, " indicating they don't soak up liquids like a sponge. This makes them fairly easy to clean which includes moderate soap and also a medium-stiffness brush.
However, since SeaDek will be a bit softer, it may sometimes hold onto stains the little more stubbornly when they aren't rinsed off quickly. Marine Mat's denser surface could be a bit easier to scrub. Presently there are specific cleaners created by both brands that work wonders, yet for probably the most component, a quick hose-down at the finish of the day is all you need. If you're a significant offshore fisherman, you might find that the harder texture of Marine Mat handles the particular "work boat" life-style a bit better.
Cost Comparison
Within the battle associated with SeaDek vs Marine Mat, your wallet may be the determining factor. Generally speaking, SeaDek could be the even more expensive option, especially if you go through a certified installer. You're paying for the brand name, the particular extensive R& D, which massive support network. It's the "buy once, be sad once" type of deal.
Marine Mat is often a little more budget-friendly, especially in the event that you're taking the DIY route. Because they have a strong focus upon direct-to-consumer sales for their template sets, you can usually save a substantial amount of cash by doing the manual labor yourself. However, if you're evaluating a custom-installed Marine Mat job in order to a custom SeaDek job, the cost distance starts to near significantly.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, where does that depart us? If a person want the precious metal standard, a softer feel, and also you don't mind spending money on the professional to do an ideal job, SeaDek is possibly your winner. It's the safe wager that adds the most resale value to your vessel because every possible buyer knows the name.
On the other hand, if you're the DIY enthusiast who wants a somewhat tougher surface, or if you definitely hate the idea of gluing anything to your deck, Marine Mat will be the way to proceed. Their Snap-it system is a genuine innovation that SeaDek doesn't really have a direct reply for in the particular same way.
At the end of the day time, both products are usually fantastic upgrades. Going from bare fiber-glass to either SeaDek or Marine Mat will completely modify how you occurs boat. You'll end up sitting on the particular floor more, your joints won't ache as much following a long day in the chop, and your own boat will appear ten years more recent. You really can't fail with possibly; it just is dependent on whether a person prefer the "premium classic" or the particular "innovative challenger. "