Sprucing up the Mac and Cockpit mats

[Frank C]

DriDeck??? It works in my rural mailbox ... it keeps the bills from lying directly in the water. I've also been thinking it might be good as a "floor" in the cooler. As for the cockpit - it's way too slippery, and priced like you wre thinking "marine."

I bought a rubber barmat at Costco and cut it to fit around the pedestal. They don't have it at Costco any more, but they do have 3 sq.ft. "fatigue mat" that might work .... maybe two of them.

[mike]

I'd like to add new cockpit cushions and some flooring for the cockpit and cabin. Can the original Macgregor cushions still be purchased anywhere?

We have the original MacGregor cushions, but pretty much never use them (we don't like them because they absorb water). Instead, we just use several of those cheap square floating cushion thingies. However, there is at least one company (perhaps more) that offer a set of cushions sized for the 26X that are made from a more solid type of foam that does not absorb water. Somewhat pricey as I recall, but I'd much rather have those than the MacGregor cushions!

--Mike

[Lease]

Got something similar in my boat. The stuff I have though is soft foam rubber, so it is easy on bare feet.

Can't show a picture as I got it from a local camping store, but it is basically a cross-hatched foam interlocking tile.

They're really great and look quite smart as well. You must remember to remove them regularly and scrub the deck, or you end up with a nice diamond shaped stain pattern on your boat.

[Mark Prouty]

Got something similar in my boat. The stuff I have though is soft foam rubber, so it is easy on bare feet.

Can't show a picture as I got it from a local camping store, but it is basically a cross-hatched foam interlocking tile.

They're really great and look quite smart as well. You must remember to remove them regularly and scrub the deck, or you end up with a nice diamond shaped stain pattern on your boat.

I'd sure like to a find supplier of this stuff that is soft on the tootsies. Gotta think of the dog's little toes too!! Anybody?

[Jeff Ritsema]

Mark,
That sure looks like the tiles you can buy at West Marine, available in a few colors. I have used it on my cockpit sole and been happy with it. Remains stable if cut to fit tightly.

[Lease]

Found it:

http://www.discountcamping.com.au/index ... 0ee8f79ac0...


There must be something similar available there?

[kmclemore]

I found some Bottomsiders at
http://shop.macgregorowners.com/bs/deta ... 7612553849
Available in various colors, with pinstriping...you can even have them imprinted with your boat name.

The price for grey with white pinstripe..no name..is $586.

Could these be the ones Mike referred to?

Careful with Bottomsiders.

We have a set and although I do like them, you have to be careful - the pinstriping is subject to bleeding when it is exposed to suntan oil! NOT good... and it really pi$$ me off royally, as they were brand new. Jeez, do you think the bozos that make'em could've figured out that somebody might have suntan lotion on when they're on a boat?

Grrr.....

[NiceAft]

I had cushions made for me by a local upholsterer. I made templates of the seating in my M and took them to an upholsterer. He told me how much fabric would be needed. I wanted to use Sunbrela fabric because of its reputation to standing up to the elements. In order to keep the price down, I used a solid color (black). I also made templates of the backrest area over the seats.

I keep the cushions in place by extra wide Velcro along the backs of the seats. Using the backs of the seating for the Velcro placement allows me to reverse the seating. The back cushions are held in place by long strips of Sunbrela that are tied around the stanchions for the lifeline. The seats stay dry. The look is great, and the cushions stay in place when the boat heels.

Ray

[Frank C]

I never found the DriDeck slippery under my shoes. They're right, those "buttons" are grippy enough to shoe rubber. The problem was the hard little "pegs" that DriDeck rests on. Those suckers slide across gelcoat like the non-skid wasn't there.

Just one opinion ... DriDeck is right up there next to Winchers for Marine Waste of the Year. Good luck.

[Chuck Healey]

I Use DriDeck in the cockpit and I have been happy with it. It slips around a little, but If you cut it for a tight fit, it's not bad. If you buy it directly from the manufacturer, it's a lot cheaper than WM. I find it's usefull in the bildge area too.

[Catigale]

The Admiral got about 12 2x3 foot rubber mats from Lowes for 99 each marked down another 50% for clearance.

We tried them in our small sailboat and they were great...Ill cut them for the cockpit this spring.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

I keep my cushions cleaned, and stored, since I prefer keeping everything simple when sailing -- less stuff. Its easier using small "throw about" cushions instead. But with friends, or family, grandkids, etc., we use the Mac cushions for comfort. They are really comfortable, and snap right into the cocpit safely. Im amazed how well the original cushions have held up, still looking like new. Not bad for a 1999 Mac X. Im also pleased with the interior cushions, and how well theyve held up, also still looking like new.