Dri Deck And Non-Skid Review

Summary

Wet, slippery decks are the bane of boaters everywhere. Perhaps no other condition has caused more accidents than a surface that wasn’t dry enough to walk on. Non-skid surfaces are of course the natural solution, but many protest the difficulty of install or the inconvenience of cleaning a purposefully irregular surface. However, modern non-skid surfaces are designed with convenient installation and maintenance in mind, and the excuses not to install an anti-skid surface system in your boat are dwindling away.

Easily the most famous of these systems is from Dri Deck, a Florida-based company that has specialized in interlocking, rubbery non-skid tiles since the 1970s. The product concept is simple—purchase enough Dri Deck tile to cover the surface of your deck or storage area, cut the edging tiles to match, and snap everything into place. The tiles consist of raised and bumpy rubber latticework that provide a soft, pliable surface free from abrasion or slip. The structure is well ventilated, keeping equipment stored on deck drained as well as protected. Once installed, the Dri Deck matting sits firm and doesn’t shift. Durability is one of the primary selling points here.

Other commercial non-skid surfaces have a few things to offer, but few are as dependable or fully featured as Dri Deck is. Straight rubber matting is often the traditional option for fishermen and the like, but these suffer from the same cleaning issues as harder surfaces. The Dri Deck manufacturer claims to have bonded a chemical agent within the rubber material itself that makes the tiles resistant to bacteria buildup. Based on years of use and the experience of other satisfied customers, it seems this magic formula works. Other companies offer smaller, individual non-skid surfaces that may apply better to unique deck arrangements or other walkways, but Dri Deck easily features the most comprehensive non-skid solution for most boats.

Pros

• Easy to maintain.
• Anti-bacterial agents prevent build-up.
• Dri Deck and a few others offer exceptional drainage.
• Delivers as promised—non-skid surfaces work like a charm.

Cons

• Can be expensive when purchasing tile by the foot.
• Moderate to difficult install depending on deck layout; some measuring and cutting involved.

Featured Manufacturers

Interlux, Vynagrip, and Monster

Conclusion

It’s hard to come up with a reason not to purchase non-skid surfaces for at least some area of your boat—except for the expense, that is. While Dri Deck and its equivalents may seem expensive for a deck enhancement, compared to other boating accessories the cost is minimal. The protection for your deck and equipment (and you) is worth the price alone, but the convenience and comfort of having a non-skid surface under your feet has to be felt to be believed.

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