Boat decking is an important decision that impacts comfort, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Two popular synthetic decking options—Dekit and SeaDek—both make tempting promises.
But which truly delivers the optimal blend of benefits for your needs? This guide examines the pros and cons of dekit and seadek to help you decide.
Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Dekit | SeaDek |
| Traction | Excellent diamond plate tread w/ perforations | Adequate texture & groove options |
| Drainage | Superior through holes | Good channeling |
| Custom Looks | No custom aesthetic options | Outstanding custom colors, textures & digitization available |
| Durability | 10+ years expected | 7-10 years average |
| Eco-Friendly | Unknown formulations & manufacturing | High recycled content used. Renewable production energy. |
| Price (Avg) | 30% less than SeaDek | More expensive. Custom work adds costs. |
| Installation | Easy interlocking DIY application | Challenging without professional template & adhesion |
Overview
Dekit and SeaDek share similarities as closed-cell foam products applied over boat surfaces for traction and padding. However, formula variations create divergence in durability, texture, ease of cleaning, and other factors.
Overall, dekit touts excellent grip with drainage channels that prevent slipping. SeaDek counters with greater customization options and an eco-friendly format. Cost and longevity could be dealbreakers depending on your priorities. Weighing the trade-offs helps determine the better choice.
Ease Of Installation
Installation presents obstacles with any boat decking product. However, dekit streamlines the process courtesy of interlocking edges that click into place. This allows self-adhesive application without glue bubbling or seaming frustrations. The material trims easily with razor knives or routers.
SeaDek utilizes a peel-and-stick application, but avoids potential corner-lifting and bubbles through professional template alignments pre-installation. This precision attracts a higher cost, yet enhances long-term durability. For DIY enthusiasts, dekit wins for user-friendliness.
Traction And Drainage Capability
All boaters require maximum wet and dry traction regardless of weather or waves. Dekit’s diamond tread pattern with perforations excels in this regard. The holes allow water drainage even on angled boat surfaces to avoid hydroplaning accidents. Beveled edges prevent tripping while enhancing skid protection.
SeaDek approaches grip and drainage differently. Instead of perforations, indented grooves channel liquid through pads. You can also select from various depth textures based on usage. Still, dekit’s grip consistently ranks higher from a safety perspective among boaters.
Customization And Style Options
Aesthetics matter for boat decking visible to passengers, family, and friends. Here SeaDek shines through sheer customization range. With the Design Lab, you can digitally map out color schemes with unique logos or designs. Even photos get translated into boat pads or inserts.
Dekit standardizes options instead. You choose between black and grey for all products. Small color selection streamlines inventory and purchasing simplicity. For personalization though, SeaDek surpasses expectations.
Durability And Longevity
Marine elements punish boat decks through sun, salt, moisture, and foot traffic exposure. Longevity depends on resistance under constant strain.
Both dekit and seadek utilize closed-cell Eva foam. However, dekit hardens the top layer through a cold pressing method withhigher density and rebound. Expect over a decade before any noticeable degradation.
SeaDek estimates lifespan between seven to ten years on average. Colors stay vibrant a bit longer than black or grey options without UV ray protection. Either choice withstands punishment, but dekit edges ahead in durability testing.
Eco-Friendliness
Eco-aware boaters may rank sustainability high on feature lists. Dekit comes up short here produced overseas without any recycling or conservation initiatives. Manufacturing practices remain unclear.
Conversely, seadek’s Evoprene formula uses 25% recycled content. The production facility runs fully on renewable energy as a zero landfill operation. Any discarded scrap gets reused in house. Certifications include IMDS-1020419-100169010 and OregonTITL055 Carbonless. Strong environmental stewardship makes seadek a rarity.
Price Considerations
Both dekit and seadek command premium pricing due to advanced formulations. However, dekit panels run around 30% cheaper by average estimates. Bulk orders through retailers save more through volume discounts hard to match elsewhere.
Smaller volume purchases leave seadek pricing mostly consistent. Custom add-ons also tack on fees for digitization, special molds, inserts, and such. Excellent warranty coverage offsets initial outlay depending on order size. Balance current costs versus long-range value.
Also watch this video about DEKit!
FAQs
Dekit lasts over 10 years on average with slight fading. The dense Eva foam withstands cracking or breakdown barring any unusual gouging/damage.
SeaDek estimates 7-10 years lifespan under normal marine conditions before requiring replacement. Staining or cuts can shorten duration.
Dekit ranks as the best foam decking for traction, drainage, and longevity. SeaDek leads for custom aesthetics and eco-sourcing. Weigh personal priority against performance.
The best boat deck flooring provides ample grip for safety along with water channeling for fast drainage. Dekit excels here through diamond plate perforations although seadek grooved textures work sufficiently.
Conclusion
Finding the best boat decking depends on needs balancing traction, style, sustainability, and affordability. Dekit shines for no-nonsense grip, drainage, and durability all at budget cost. SeaDek counters with lifestyle personalization and eco-leadership businesses applaud.
Carefully weigh wants against performance trade-offs. For outstanding traction with value pricing, dekit makes sense. But seadek better satisfies unique custom aesthetics through sustainability. Either foam decking upgrade enhances the boating experience.