Repurposing Exercise Mats for Boston Whaler Boat Flooring/Decking Protection

Repurposing Exercise Mats for Boat Flooring/Decking:
As I mentioned in my previous video, EVA foam floors can be a great choice for boats. One of the primary benefits of EVA foam is its exceptional cushioning and comfort, making it easier to stand or walk on for extended periods, which is particularly valuable on a boat where hard surfaces can be tiring. The foam is also lightweight, which is beneficial for maintaining the overall weight balance of the vessel. Additionally, EVA foam has excellent water resistance and is non-absorbent, helping to prevent mold and mildew growth, which is crucial in a marine environment.
However, there are some cons to consider as well. While EVA foam is durable, it may not be as tough as other flooring materials like fiberglass or teak, making it susceptible to punctures or abrasions if heavy objects are dragged across it. And this is where this video comes in. I have a cat issue ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ
Before I have even water tested my Whaler, a neighbor cat has moved in and found the floor to be a great scratching pad 🙄. I purchased a ”Critter Ridder” which is a motion activated sprinkler to deter animals, BUT I could not bring myself to use it on this poor kitty (and I would also have to be ducking to avoid getting drenched each time I walked by, not to mention the neighbors 🙄🚿😅
After placing everything I could find on my floor to avoid further damage from a very determined cat, I decided to use inexpensive foam mats to make a fitted cover for the floor. However, these mats are great for anyone wanting to just protect their deck in case you are carrying scuba gear, lobster or crab traps, or anything generally abrasive. I have had some of these exposed to the sun for years and they really last! It’s also good for protecting the EVA, because prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can also cause fading or deterioration, so in addition to the canopy I usually toss over my boat, this gives an additional layer of UV protection when it is just sitting on the trailer. AND, most importantly, it gives the cat a new place to scratch 🙃
So whether it’s for cargo or pets, if you need to protect your flooring, here’s an easy and cheap alternative. Thanks for watching! I will be adding all the final build videos soon, feel free to ask any questions-wishing you the best! 1💙
You can find the DIY Boat Flooring EVA Foam Boat Decking to My Boston Whaler Montauk 17 video here:
The materials I used can be found here:
• Anti Fatigue Mats/Foam: amzn.to/4e6i6t6
• Harbor Freight Mats: www.harborfrei...
• Heat Transfer Vinyl: amzn.to/3YlwEiR
• Milwaukee Leaf Blower (just had to add it 😉): amzn.to/4f6KLQo
I always recommend looking locally as well, make sure you check specs and reviews for what you purchase because quality does vary.
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#boatrepair #bostonwhaler #boatdecking #flooring #diy