If you’re looking for a reliable EVA foam marine flooring supplier, don’t hesitate to contact DEKit Fort Myers. We are a certified DEKit installer that services southwest Florida. DEKit is a hybrid EVA/closed cell foam. Think of it as a better version of SeaDek. SeaDek 2.0 is what we call it. Since your boat is often exposed to the elements of the marine life and all the activities that take place, investing in a high-quality EVA foam decking is crucial for your boat’s longevity. The following are the advantages of choosing DEKit Fort Myers EVA Foam decking.
Ultimate in comfort and improved aesthetics
One of the main reasons why boat owners love using DEKit Fort Myers EVA foam decking is because of the ultimate comfort it provides while being out on your boat all day. After a long day of fishing, standing on the hard deck can be tough on the body. DEKit comes in standard 6mm and 13mm thickness, which provides plenty of cushion making your overall experience on the water that much more enjoyable. Don’t worry about slipping around while moving around the deck taking on the wind and waves, DEKit has excellent anti-slip properties. There are a wide variety of different patterns and color combinations to choose from. The sky is the limit when it comes to design and improving the overall appearance of your ride.
Strong resistance to staining
Fishing and activities can take its toll on the deck. DEKit acts as a sacrificial layer to your deck. The EVA foam decking is extremely resistant to harsh substances that can stain your decks gelcoat or paint which will then require harsh chemicals to remove. DEKit can solve that problem. Its super easy to clean. An electric 1600 PSI pressure washer and multi-purpose cleaner is very effective in cleaning and removing dirt and grime buildup.
Improved durability to your boat
EVA foam is rubbery in nature, allowing it to resist water and objects that can damage your boat’s flooring. Since it is highly protective and resistant in nature, it prevents the need for costly repair. Compared with other EVA foam decking solutions, DEKit Fort Myers provides a more rigid and durable foam for your marine deck. Depending on usage and storage, it can last for up to 10 to 15 years if kept indoors with proper care and maintenance. With this product, you can get rid of constant repairs and save more money in the long run.
Quick turnaround time and customer service
Our team is very quick relative to our competition. We can get our customers serviced from start to finish in roughly 3 to 4 weeks on average. We have a very professional staff that communicates well and is responsive. Our cut and finish are also premium relative to our competition. Our flooring is cut to the rolled edge and broke on the gutter system. This allows for better adhesion and less chance of the edges peeling up and coming loose.
Ready to take your flooring to the next level? You can get all these benefits if you buy the best EVA foam decking for your vessel. Don’t be confused by the many options available in the market. To ensure a superior quality material for your boat, only trust DEKit Fort Myers.
]]>Ethylene-vinyl acetate “EVA” foam boat flooring is an incredible product that can take boat ownership to new levels of enjoyment.
Marine flooring is constructed of EVA technologies - an elastomeric polymer (natural stretch fiber) creating a rubber-like material that is pliable, cushiony, and very flexible. As an expanded foam rubber, EVA can be used to cover so many surfaces, particularly small boats, fishing vessels, and large yachts.
DEKit versus SeaDek
When it comes to custom deck flooring, DEKit and SeaDek are two distributors of EVA boat foam flooring technology. Taking a look at their marine decking products, there are many similarities among the foam-flooring options.
Both DEKit and SeaDek claim the following about their EVA foam flooring:
Difference:
EVA Foam Flooring Characteristic Options
Difference:
Product Pricing
Difference:
Company Information, Product Warranty, Customer Service:
Difference:
Conclusion DEKit vs. SeaDek
SeaDek and DEKit are very similar in boat flooring products, features, properties, and applications. SeaDek got its start in the surfing industry and has been around longer. DEKit is better in some terms with its warranty and pricing, while in other circumstances, SeaDek proves its worth with more single colors and foam thickness options. In the end, the EVA foam flooring material you choose for your boat is well worth the investment, but ultimately, it depends on your personal choice.
Overall, just keep in mind that EVA boat flooring material can make a big difference to your boating experience every time you take your “pride and joy” out on the water. High-quality, durable flooring material can extend the life of your boat and offer protection and comfort to users. DEKit and SeaDek are two popular providers of durable boat flooring materials used by boat manufacturers and owners for custom boat flooring and detailing applications.
And basically, it comes down to warranty coverage, customer service, and who you feel genuinely delivers. Do your due diligence, but I have a feeling you will know which boat ride to take.
]]>Even so, owning a boat comes with responsibilities. For many years Starke Yacht Care has specialized in boat detailing, engineering cleaning products and providing maintenance guidance boat and yacht owners. If you are considering installing EVA marine foam flooring, we recommend DEKit Fort Myers. Even foam flooring needs regular maintenance, along with the rest of your boat deck. We can say every family does have their preferences when it comes to the style, design, and aesthetics of their boat. As boat owners ourselves, it’s fun putting your personality into your watercraft.
If there’s one thing in common, that is you may have to clean your boat on a regular basis, which includes your boat’s floor covering. The more you use your boat, the more it needs your care and attention. We have prepared 7 useful boat maintenance tips to keep your boat looking and cruising the best it can.
Inspect and clean your battery
Check your battery at least once every season, especially if you use your boat often. Batteries can deteriorate and lose their power over time. Without regular maintenance, it can corrode and leak which when further ignored, can lead to irreparable damage.
Clean potential areas of corrosion, including any points of connection with wires. Watch out for leaks, cracks, and bites from rodents. Even though your boat is anchored at least 1 meter from the boardwalk, rodents will find their way to your wires. Boats that are big enough to have a kitchen, dining, and a bedroom are prone to pests because of leftover or unkept food.
Most importantly, make sure your battery holds enough charge. The last thing you want to experience is for the boat’s battery to go dead while you are still out on the water.
Flush your engine
Always flush the engine after use when you take your boat on the water, it becomes exposed to variables like salt, sand, mud, and other debris that can ruin your boat’s exterior. To prevent these materials from causing further damage in the future, make sure you flush your engine with fresh water after using your boat.
Some boats come with a built-in flushing system of their own, which you can use. Just read the user manual so you can use it properly. If your boat doesn’t come with a flushing system, just use fresh water from the hose.
Keep your deck floor looking good
For the DEKit flooring system, we recommend using deck-approved cleaning materials such as soft bristle brush and scrub. While the DEKit system is highly durable and aesthetically beautiful looking, it needs to be maintained to ensure longevity.
Of course, clean the deck and flooring to ensure everyone’s safety on the boat. If you don’t clean your flooring, hazardous elements like dust, mildew and small particles can be inhaled. Or worse, they get into your eyes and cause irritation.
Just scrub your deck to remove stains and dirt. Disinfect cushions, countertops, and other high-touch areas on the deck. Vacuum to remove excess dirt, especially if you have carpeted flooring.
Winterize your boat for the cold season
For boat owners in wintry climates, the icy weather can bring unexpected damage to your boat if you don’t winterize it. To winterize your boat, drain any water aboard or replace it with antifreeze materials to prevent freezing when the temperature drops. Add protective tarps that can help protect your boat’s deck or better yet, bring it to a safe boat storage facility.
Apply corrosion protection to your engine and apply to fog if necessary. Some boat owners would also add a fuel-stabilizing mixture to the fuel to prevent it from freezing. Remove drain plugs and empty water from vessels.
Clean the windows and other fiberglass materials
When winter comes, the moisture that accumulates in your boat’s windows can make it fuzzy and streaked. Even when you’re not going anywhere, try to stay alert regarding your window’s condition. Clean them if necessary.
Look for fiberglass cleaners and don’t just use simple soap and water techniques. Using the right kind of cleaning ingredients for a particular material will prevent premature damage to your windows.
Remove dirt and clogged debris on your hull
If you’ve been out on the water a lot, you notice your hull will accumulate debris over time. Given enough time, sunlight and water can degrade the gel coat of your hull and expose other materials, leading to corrosion.
So, clean your hull regularly. A mixture of dish soap and warm water is a good DIY but severe corrosion requires a professional touch. Avoid using abrasive cleaners like bleach or ammonia because it will only weaken the construction of your hull.
Vacuum carpets, beds, and cushions
If your boat is big enough to have space for cushioned seats, bed, or carpet flooring make sure you vacuum them. Carry a cordless vacuum cleaner on board and thoroughly remove dirt and debris from your cushion.
The cordless vacuum cleaner will pick up dirt while reducing damage to the surface, preventing slips, and drastically cutting down cleaning time.
If you have any questions about maintaining and cleaning your boat, get in contact with us, and we will help guide you to the best solution.
]]>Whether you use your boat for business or pleasure, it is a significant investment, so it’s important to do all that you can to keep it looking new for decades to come. Your boat decking has to withstand some pretty brutal conditions, from the hot sun bearing down to bait and fishing grime. The best way to maintain it is through prevention. Boat flooring is an excellent tool to protect what lies beneath. But not all companies deliver the same quality, so don’t simply Google “boat flooring near me” and pick the first option. Here are four reasons to choose DEKit over all others.
Fully Customizable
DEKit is all about customization. Unlike other boat flooring options that are standard and one-size-fits-all, we can help build your brand by adding your logo, choosing various colors, and accessorizing everything to be as luxurious as you want it to be! Not only will your deck look amazing and unique, but we can also deck out your entire boat to be spectacular.
Unparalleled Quality
DEKit uses a non-skid exclusive cross-linked PE-EVA that offers more safety and comfort. Our boat decking is designed to be highly shock-absorbing so you don’t feel the jarring that can lead to sore and tired muscles. The non-skid surface will also stop you from sliding around at sea, and the protective finish keeps it looking great day after day. We understand the harsh nature of the sea, so we created decking that makes it less punishing!
More Options
Not only is our boat flooring fully customizable; we also offer the largest variety of options from design to color and everything in between. We offer a traditional teak flooring alternative for those of you desiring a traditional wood look. If you want a little more pizzazz, we also have textures and patterns to give you a look unlike any other - it is all your creation!
Expert Installation
Boat flooring is not a good do-it-yourself project. Our expert installation ensures a perfect fit without gaps or odd cuts. Whether you have an aluminum boat, ski boat, commercial boat, fishing boat, or kayak, we have the installers to make sure that it is done 100% perfectly. We understand that boat flooring only looks as good as the quality of its installation. Why invest in a product if it isn’t going to be installed professionally?
3-Year Warranty
We are so sure that you will be satisfied with our boat flooring that we offer a 3-year warranty if something should go wrong. If you follow the instructions for care and something isn’t right, we stand behind every boat flooring that we install. Boat flooring is an excellent way to protect your boat deck, but not all products are the same, and they don’t offer the same quality and comfort. Don’t just Google “boat flooring near me” and choose the first one that appears. It is a worthwhile investment, so make sure you invest with the best - DEKit!
Are you conducting a regular maintenance and service schedule for your yacht? If not, then you should start taking care of your vessel not just for peace of mind while operating but for the safety of those on board while traveling.
Just like any asset, your yacht needs inboard and outboard care and maintenance to preserve its value. The larger the yacht, the more complex maintenance can get. But with a little bit of knowledge and practice, yacht maintenance will soon come easy.
The key is to know what to look for and how to maintain the most crucial aspects of your yacht. So here are some tips you can follow to maintain your yacht.
Inspect and clean your boat regularly
It’s good to assume that your yacht is fine every time you take it out to the water. However, if you want to keep your vessel in excellent shape, it’s advisable to check it every two weeks. See the wirings, motor, pumps, and controls. Fluids can be checked at least once every season.
Wash and clean all visible dirt on the exterior of your yacht. Eradicate bird droppings and stains on your deck. If you’ve used DEKit’s marine decking, you won’t have issues cleaning and washing it as it’s very easy to clean. Vacuum loose and bulky dirt or pour fresh water over the deck area.
Polish metals and scrub other woodworks using a soft bristle brush. Don’t forget to dust, and clean countertops, toilets, sinks, and other areas in your yacht.
Clean the bottom of your yacht
Make sure you clean barnacles and the hull. You may need a diver to help you get rid of algae and other marine life sticking at the bottom. Spot for holes, cracks, and scratches given the time and expertise of your diver. During hotter climates, it’s good to clean the bottom of your yacht more frequently. In the cooler season, you could go a bit longer than a month.
If you don’t maintain the bottom of your yacht on a regular basis, many problems can occur such as cracking or peeling of paint. Corrosion will also become imminent to the cosmetic appeal and structure of your boat.
It is only a matter of time before these issues can get out of hand involving much higher costs.. When ignored for too long, structural issues can soon affect the performance of our yacht.
Check your system
Your yacht has a huge number of systems that needs to be functional and optimally operational at all times for effective boat performance and overall safety.
Better yet check your air conditioning unit, the pumps, exhaust, and air intake batteries. Also check the coolant levels, engine oil level and filter, coolant and antifreeze, fuel system, and the lubrication of critical parts, which are vital for your yacht’s health and the safety of passengers aboard. Also, don't forget to inspect the raw water strainer, pump and impeller.
Overall, a comprehensive system check is a key ingredient to keeping your yacht cruising for a long time and holding up its resale value. Before it’s too late and silent problems become larger issues, give your boat the proper maintenance checks it needs to stay safe and functional.
Wax and repaint as needed
Every two years is considered by many to be sufficient time for repainting a yacht. But before that, you can check for peeling and cracking of the exterior paints. It is a good practice to haul out your yacht once a year and check the exterior condition, especially the bottom of the vessel. If you see that the paints are fading, cracking, or peeling, you can take the opportunity to have it professional repair and paint work completed.
A new paint job can improve the aesthetics of your boat and make it look brand new. But most importantly, paints contain protective chemicals that prevent your boat from prematurely rotting or corroding.
Regular maintenance keeps your yacht from deteriorating
Moreover, you could wax other exterior parts that are often exposed to the sun. This can include the topside of the boat, rub rail, and the hull. We suggest waxing your boat every three to six months. For further protection, applying nano ceramic gel coats, sealants and polishes will also contribute to incredible exterior shine and protection.
Wipe and clean the deck floor
The deck is the very first part of the boat that welcomes you and your guests. It’s only a must to ensure your deck is excellently cleaned. Fortunately, DEKit is a leading material for custom boat flooring, which you can leverage for an impressive yacht interior, improved comfort and less fatigue from standing. Compared with other wooden floor materials, DEKit flooring is very easy to clean and maintain.
Just use deck flooring-approved cleaners or a soft bristle brush to clean off dirt and you are good. When your deck is well-maintained, you can enjoy a cleaner and fresher sea escapade with friends and family.
Maintaining your yacht is key to a long-lasting asset. If you want to learn more about how to maintain your yacht and other specific parts like the deck flooring, feel free to learn more here.
]]>DEKit's marine decking is designed to help keep your deck looking great for the long haul, and it also provides a great shock absorber to soften the blows of a day at sea. But to keep the marine decking itself looking new, it is important to clean it correctly. You do have to periodically wash it to remove things like dirt, grime, sludge, and stains. If you allow things to sit too long, they might hurt the aesthetics of your foam decking. When cleaning, follow these steps to ensure that you keep your decking looking nice.
The first step to cleaning your decking is to vacuum it. Getting rid of the larger bits of dirt and dust will help prevent it from getting even dirtier when you add water to the mix. Vacuum all the hard-to-reach corners and nooks. However, do not vacuum the deck if there is water pooling.
For the dirt and debris that wasn’t loosened by vacuuming, take clean water and pour it directly on the deck to remove sludge and dirt that can get trapped. Don’t saturate the deck too much - it only takes a light covering.
Get a bucket and fill it with warm water, then combine the water with a cleaner that is specifically designed to handle decks. A good deck cleaner will help to loosen and lift away any caked-on debris and dirt. It is important to buy only deck-approved cleaners; otherwise, you can damage the non-skin protective polymer coat. The coating helps prevent stains and dirt from clinging to the surface of your marine decking.
Carefully scrub away trapped dirt and debris that wasn’t loosened by the warm water alone. By lightly scrubbing, you can remove stains and sludge as well as built-up dirt and debris. Only use a soft brush or even a mop head in order to prevent any scratches to your marine decking. The deck cleaning solution will have a coating built-in that will help your deck to resist stains and aging. And this also includes fish stains! By the way, here are a few great Fort Myers bridges to fish.
Rinse the water, cleaner, and any dirt you have been able to get off of the marine decking. Once you have successfully removed all the grime and dirt, use a cloth towel to dry it off. Using a soft cloth should help to get any remaining debris and leave your marine decking and your deck looking amazing again.
When it comes to marine decking, DEKit is a leader in the industry due to its durability and longevity, but it does have to be maintained, cleaned, and treated according to our specifications. If you use cleansers that aren’t decking-approved, they can cause damage. Never use any tool or instrument that can scratch the surface, which is why using either a mop or soft bristle brush is a must. If you take care of our decking products, they will continue to take care of you and your boat. For more information about how to care for your DEKit products, check out our informational literature!
]]>Unexpected weather and rough seas can also make it tough to walk around your vessel. However, several types of boat flooring are available in the market that looks amazing and provides you with protection. Not only does boat flooring provide you with personal protection, but the right flooring can also protect your boat and enhance the overall value of your boat. So with boat flooring, it’s literally a win-win-win situation.
Let's learn about different types of boat flooring and why a certain type of flooring is the best for you and your boat, as well as help you make a wise choice.
Easy-to-install PVC tiles are the best option to protect your boat from damage, whether at sea or in the sun. These tiles are available in different colors and patterns that look amazing and can be easily applied.
If any become damaged, you can easily replace these tiles by removing that specific piece. The only downfall of these tiles is that they fade with time as they are not UV stable/UV protected.
If you have a boat specifically constructed for fishing, then drainage tiles will be the best option available for you, in some circumstances. These tiles allow water to penetrate them. This helps in controlling the mess that is created during fishing. Then, to clean up the flooring, you have to use a hose and spray over the tiles.
Any liquid on the tiles will easily flow down to the bottom. Like PVC flooring tiles, drainage tiles too are easy to install. Drainage tiles are much more expensive than any other tiles in terms of money but are the best option for anglers. The only drawback to these types of flooring systems is the diminishing returns on comfort from standing for long periods of time, which can lead to foot and back fatigue.
Foam Boat flooring provides a non-slip surface that does not absorb water. The product is soft and comfy, ensuring that your feet and your back do not get fatigued. As an authorized DEKit dealer, DEKit flooring is the best foam flooring product you have to consider as an option for boat flooring. Are we biased? Maybe, but when boat captains and industry pros tell us over and over about the value they get from DEKit flooring, you just have to listen to your customers. Their non-toxic foam boat flooring beats anything else available.
In addition, DEKit's foam boat flooring has an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal coating, making sure no harmful microbes grow on it. DEKit's Foam Flooring absorbs much less heat than wood or aluminum flooring, so you can relax without getting your feet scalded by other hot materials.
The antibacterial characteristic of DEKit flooring is one of the most crucial characteristics because boats are constantly exposed to the sun and water (and fish stuff), which is a breeding ground for harmful organisms. DEKit flooring is also UV stable, so you don't have to worry about the flooring getting faded. You can also get DEKit flooring custom-designed according to your needs and personality. Amongst all other types of boat flooring, foam boat flooring gives you a premium finish and unmatched durability.
Marine Carpet flooring has been in use for decades. It used to be just like the hardy carpeting used in households. But with time, many technological advancements have made it an opportunity to upgrade carpet flooring and make it more compatible with today's requirements of leisure boating and fishing adventurers.
These days you will find marine carpet flooring much softer and more comfortable than it used to be. While it is durable and water-resistant in comparison with other types of boat flooring that are on the market, marine carpet does tend to fade over time from UV damage, as well as hold in more bacterial elements.
Vinyl is another type of marine flooring that you will usually find on yachts and ski boats. But do not confuse it with vinyl household flooring. It is different from vinyl flooring used in the kitchen or your house.
Like marine flooring, vinyl flooring has also undergone tremendous development to fit today's boating requirements. With features like waterproof and UV resistance, you can, without any doubt, apply it on your boats as a standard boat flooring option (not the best in our opinion). Good sound resistance is another feature that makes it stand out. For fishing enthusiasts, this feature is no less than a blessing, as vinyl is easy to clean. But beware, vinyl flooring can be slippery when wet.
Lightweight and durable, these two words lead to our next type of boat flooring on this list. Typically used for smaller watercraft and Jon Boat deck material, aluminum materials make your boat lightweight and save on fuel consumption.
Probably the most important feature of aluminum flooring is its long lifespan. Not only is it strong, but it’s also very resistant to corrosion - you can expect an aluminum boat with aluminum flooring to last 35-45 years! With these types of benefits, aluminum boats maintain their value. Be careful though; aluminum and saltwater do not mix, as the salt can lead to immediate corrosion if not properly protected.
Rubber flooring is made from recycled car tires, making it an eco-friendly option amongst others on the list. It is slip-resistant, ensuring you do not fall while running across the boat with wet feet, and it provides anti-fatiguing benefits. You can easily install this boat flooring type by using a self-adhesive and removing it whenever you feel like it. One disadvantage of rubber flooring is that it is not UV stable, so make sure to add a UV protectant or keep the flooring from direct, hot sunlight.
Wrapping Up:
Among all the boat flooring options mentioned above, there were a few things that we constantly mentioned, like slip resistance, UV stability, waterproofing, durability, and anti-fatiguing properties.
When evaluating boat flooring options, it’s always good advice to consider how you intend to use your watercraft, what environmental elements your boat will encounter, and the performance needs you require from boat flooring.
Hands down, in our humble opinion, foam flooring tops the list as one of the most versatile boat flooring options available to meet many demands of leisure and sport boating. If you would like to learn more about marine foam boat flooring options, call us at 239.851.6030.]]>Some say it’s easy to buy a boat, but much harder to keep it clean, well maintained, and in good shape. At DEKit Fort Myers, we know a thing or two about boat maintenance activities throughout the year that go way beyond cleaning your boat flooring (article link at the end on this). While it’s always good to keep your floor in tip-top shape to maximize the value and longevity of DEKit flooring, the same can be said about your boat’s exterior and other interior parts.
Not every boat owner can afford to hire boat detailers to ensure your boat is getting proper maintenance. There is an annual cleaning plan to follow if you want to ensure your boat’s longevity and re-sale value.
Whether you hire boat detailers or you plan to clean your boat yourself, we recommend only using the best cleaning products with high-quality ingredients. And to be transparent, we own a line of cleaning and maintenance products created and tested by science engineers. Being in the boating industry for years, and having to clean our own boats, we know a thing or two about maximizing time-saving cleaners and techniques that bring out the best shine and detail in fewer steps.
If you are new to the club of boat owners, you might not be well aware of the ins and outs of maintaining and cleaning your watercraft asset. So, we hope this article fills you in on boat cleaning tips that go beyond boat flooring.
The foremost thing that one requires when deciding on cleaning a boat is a cloth. But have you ever thought which type of cloth will help be more suitable? Unfortunately, most boat owners do not put much thought into it, pick up a cotton cloth, and begin scrubbing. Instead, you should consider only using microfiber towels.
Microfiber towels can absorb 98% of water which is much more than cotton towels absorb at only 70%. In addition, with these towels, you can pick up even minute dirt or oil particles given your drying efforts double duty. These dust particles attach themselves to the towel and do not leave it until it gets washed or rinsed. Hence, because of the microfiber towel’s ability to attract extra dirt, it greatly reduces the chances of creating scratches and imperfections on your boat's exterior.
When choosing products to clean and maintain your boat, make sure to choose products that can effectively clean up the dirt and grime and are environmentally friendly. To save a few bucks, some boat owners choose the same soap they use for cleaning dishes at home. Unfortunately, those soaps may or may not be environmentally friendly, and the chances of helping you get rid of all the dirt from your boat is not high as well. Plus, household products can potentially damage your exterior or create unsightly streaks.
Like I said earlier, we do sell professional-grade boat cleaning products that leave your boat brilliantly clean inside and out with fewer steps. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before using the product, and if you need cleaning advice on how best to use the product, reach out to us anytime.
Waxing up your boat using boat care products like prep and finishing polishes will protect your boat’s fiberglass and keep it lustrous. You don’t have to wax your boat after every ride but make sure to do it at least once or twice when the season is about to begin and next during the end of the boat-riding season. Your hull will remain shiny, and no foreign elements will damage its gloss.
The engine is the soul of any watercraft and must be kept clean and in top shape. So, when it comes to the boat’s engine, you should make it a point to clean the engine after the end of the season.
Some people prefer to hire professional boat detailing services to do this job. But if you want to save some money, you can get a good quality cleaner or protectants like WD-40 or Boeshield T-9. Otherwise, we recommend a universal cleaner like Koch Chemie Green Star Universal cleaner GS to get started and a 303 Protectant to protect the boat engine plastic parts, gel coating and wire casings.
Make sure your batteries are turned off before cleaning the engine. Use a brush to agitate and knock off the dirt and accumulated salt for a perfect deep clean. A small shop vac will also help remove loose sand and dirt. Do not use a pressured hose nozzle - take the nozzle off and let the hose water run freely. Use microfiber rags to dry up the engine before you apply the engine protectant.
For you fisherman, you know what a nasty smell an unkept livewell can cause if not properly maintained. Even occasional fishing expeditions can leave a livewell smelling nasty if not properly cleaned of baitfish and grime. To avoid a smelly livewell, regularly clean and sanitize your livewell, but DO NOT use bleach or detergents. Instead, as an easy and inexpensive remedy, you can use baking soda to clean and sanitize the interior surfaces.
Hard scrubbing can damage your boat and leave marks on your boat’s paint. We recommend using fast-cutting cleaners to help dissolve the dirt and grime so that cleaning becomes easier with soft strokes. Instead of cotton cloths, use a soft scrubbing brush or microfiber towels mentioned above, along with effective cleaners, to remove dirt from the boat.
Portlights are either square or rectangle in shape and are covered with tempered glass, acrylic, or plastic. Occasionally, portlights can take on a cloudy appearance. For safety purposes, you should always keep your portlights clean and ensure no fog on the glass. To remove the fog from the portlight, use warm water mixed with a good cleaning solution - a mild soap even works. With the warm-water-soap mixture, gently scrub and remove the cloudy haze with a microfiber towel that we mentioned earlier.
Your boat is one of the biggest investments you will have, and we want only the best for our boating customers. Our goal is not only to provide you with an amazing floor but also to educate you on maintaining the rest of your boat. Why do we pay so much attention to our customer’s needs? It’s because we love making boat owners happy!
If you have questions about cleaning your DEKit flooring and maintaining its quality throughout the season, let us know. Even if you have a standard boat cleaning question or problem, ask us.
We’ve been in the boat maintenance and flooring business for many years, and we’d love to help guide you on the right path and answer your questions. Just give us a call at 239.851.6030 to get started.
Cleaning your DEKit boat flooring can be an easy task and leave your flooring looking beautiful for a long time. Just follow this boat flooring cleaning plan for the best results.
]]>Boat detailing can be challenging due to the gel coating applied by the manufacturing company on its exterior. Manufacturers apply gel coating to make the surface smooth and weather resistant. However, the gel coating gets faded and discolored due to sun exposure, pollution, corrosion, and organic buildups. So, boat detailing professionals and DIYers need to follow proper steps while detailing a boat from the foam flooring to the exterior surfaces.
There are many techniques of professional boat detailing, but they all start with a thorough initial cleaning of the external boat surface. The first step is to wash the boat with clean water to remove all the dust and debris on its body. A garden hose with a pressure nozzle is best to wash your boat. Another way to do it is to use a pressure washer system, as it has more cleaning power than your standard garden hose.
To effectively wash your boat, It’s good to start at the highest point on the cabin top or flying bridge and work your way down. Move from the bow to the stern to drain the water out naturally. Use a marine-grade soap to make a soap water solution to wash the surfaces. Use a sponge or wash mitt to effectively remove all the dirt and debris while applying the soap water solution.
It is essential to use the right soap specially made for cleaning boats. Avoid using household soaps on your boat like dishwashing detergent. Instead, use marine-grade soap for cleaning the dust and dirt from your boat. The marine soaps are also available in granular and concentrated forms.
Also, choose the right brushes for the detailing of your boat. Use a soft-bristled brush designed for cleaning boats. Never use a brush with hard bristles, as it can put scratches and swirl marks on your boat’s surface.
After washing your boat, dry it with a soft cloth and proceed toward the next step - buffing your boat. Use a buffing cloth or a rotary buffer to prepare the boat surface for waxing. Buffing also removes any oxidation left after washing. A rotary buffer is easy to use, and it can buff your boat faster than a manual buffer. It may take 30 to 45 minutes to buff a standard-sized boat.
After the buffing process is finished, now it’s time to wax your boat. Always use marine wax for waxing your boat, and never use car wax. Marine waxes are specially formulated to protect boats and yachts from saltwater environments that are impossible with conventional automotive waxes. Waxing your boat with high-quality marine wax ensures that it will protect its surface from saltwater and sun for a specific period, after which you need to re-wax your boat.
The ceramic coating offers great protection to automobiles, boats, and yachts. It offers better protection against hard water, salt water, algae, oxidation, and UV radiation. Moreover, the protection duration is longer than standard polish or wax. Boat detailers use ceramic coating, especially on boats with glossy finishing. Boat Ceramic coating also offers water beading, which means the water does not “wet” or erode the boat's surface.
The interior compartments of the boat can be washed and cleaned like the exterior. Before beginning with the interior cleaning, remove all the carpets and other accessories to access all the areas covered by these things. Then wipe off the water drops with a soft cloth before beginning the cleaning process to avoid the water spots on the glass or seats.
If you clean your seats regularly, you can clean them with a vacuum cleaner. However, if you have not cleaned them for a few months, you need to wash the seats and compartments for a thorough cleaning. After washing, you can wipe them with a sponge or soft cloth and leave them for drying before waxing or polishing.
Like the exterior surfaces, use a high-quality marine wax coating to wax the interior surfaces. Use a soft sponge for waxing the interiors to avoid any lines or scratches.
Boat detailing is incomplete without a thorough inspection from the co-captain (wife, husband, partner, friend). Inspect all the surfaces carefully and the interior seats and compartments. Make sure the seals on your boat are not cracked or damaged due to sun exposure or wave impacts. If a seal is broken or cracked, you can seal it using a sealing product or replace it with a new seal.
Once the inspection is complete and everything is fine, you can take your boat for a ride in complete confidence and pride. You have a boat that outshines the rest!
If the steps of boat detailing seem challenging, you can hire a boat detailer to get it done for you. Even detailing and cleaning your foam flooring. We know many great detailers if you want our recommendation.
Following the steps in this post can help boat owners and professionals to enhance the looks and performance of a boat.
DEKit Fort Myers is not only committed to offering the highest-quality boat flooring products for boat owners, but we also enjoy sharing a few tips for the ultimate in boat maintenance and satisfaction.
We are here to help answer your questions and offer guidance on selecting the best boat flooring and marine decking options.
Contact us today for more information at 239.851.6030.
]]>DEKit Fort Myers is surrounded by awesome tourist attractions and places our customers can take their boats and enjoy their DEKit custom boat flooring.
Whether you are local or traveling to the Fort Myers area, we felt you should know about top places to visit in Fort Myers.
For locals with boats decked out in DEKit foam flooring, our floors can take on any boating adventure! DEKit flooring is made to stand up to great fishing, as well as offer the comfort for leisure boating and sightseeing.
The Matanzas Pass Bridge (also locally known as the Sky Bridge, or the Fort Myers Beach Bridge) is a bridge located in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. It carries State Road 865 (San Carlos Boulevard) between the Florida mainland (via San Carlos Island) and Estero Island, which is a major tourist destination. The bridge is one of the island's two connections to the mainland. The other is the Bonita Beach Causeway on the south end of the island.
The original Matanzas Pass Bridge was a small wooden drawbridge built in 1921. The roadway connecting to the bridge originally ran from the bridge along the coast to present-day Bunche Beach where it connected to John Morris Road, which goes on to McGregor Boulevard.
The current Matanzas Pass Bridge opened in 1979, and is 65 feet (20 m) tall. It was the tallest bridge in Lee County when it was built, but it was surpassed in 2007 by the first bridge of the Sanibel Causeway, which is 70 feet (21 m) tall. The current bridge has two traffic lanes, one for northbound traffic and one for southbound traffic. There is also a pedestrian lane, which is separated from the rest of the bridge by a concrete barrier. Fishing piers also exist underneath the bridge on each side. The bridge's current blue color was added in 2011, making it resemble the Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo.
The original Edison Bridge opened for traffic on February 11, 1931, the 84th birthday of its namesake Thomas Edison. Edison, who had a winter home in Fort Myers, dedicated the bridge, and was also the first to drive across it.
The original Edison Bridge was built to carry the Tamiami Trail, which had previously crossed the river on a narrow wooden bridge upstream that opened on March 12, 1924. This bridge was located in East Fort Myers at Freemont Street and connected to what is today known as Old Bridge Road in North Fort Myers. Construction of the bridge at Freemont Street was initially started by a private company with the intention of making it a toll bridge. Lee County planned to use the Freemont Street bridge for its portion of the planned Tamiami Trail, but the federal government would not designate it as part of a U.S. Highway if the bridge had a toll. So, the county purchased the bridge and completed its construction.
The Freemont Street bridge was only intended to be a temporary crossing of the Caloosahatchee River for the Tamiami Trail. It was too far east of downtown Fort Myers and was too narrow, making passing difficult. A couple of locations were determined as potential sites for a permanent bridge, including Carson Street west of downtown (which would later become the location of the Caloosahatchee Bridge). But it was ultimately decided that a new bridge, which would become the Edison Bridge, would connect Fowler Street (east of downtown) with a rerouted portion of the Tamiami Trail (US 41) on the north side. After the Edison Bridge opened, the bridge at Freemont Street remained in service as a secondary bridge until 1940, when the wooden structure was destroyed by a fire.
The Midpoint Memorial Bridge was constructed as part of the extension of Colonial Boulevard into Cape Coral. Before construction, Colonial Boulevard terminated at State Road 867 (McGregor Boulevard), which runs parallel to the river. In Cape Coral, CR 884 (locally known as Veterans Parkway) now terminates at SR 78 (Pine Island Road) near Matlacha, and includes an overpass over the intersection with Del Prado Boulevard (CR 867A). The addition of the Midpoint Memorial Bridge resulted in several ancillary road projects in Fort Myers as well. Colonial Boulevard was widened to six lanes and overpasses were constructed over McGregor Boulevard and at the intersection with US 41.
The bridge is owned by the Lee County Department of Transportation. There is a two-dollar toll in effect for westbound vehicles only and no toll for eastbound traffic. Florida’s statewide SunPass prepaid electronic toll collection system is accepted on the Midpoint Bridge, along with Lee County’s Leeway prepaid toll system which is also used on the Cape Coral Bridge and the Sanibel Causeway.
On the Cape Coral side of the bridge, there is a replica of the statue from the Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn, Virginia (which is just outside Washington, D.C.). The statue depicts the six U.S Marines raising the American flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima. On the Fort Myers side, there is a small Vietnam War Memorial.
There are many bridges throughout the Fort Myers area that you can enjoy with a leisurely family boat ride or fishing adventure.
Especially for fishing, bridges offer pockets where pools of fish hang out. Speak with your local fish tackle provider for bait and tackle advice. And if you happen to make a mess of fish blood and scales on your DEKit boat foam flooring, no worries. We have an article on how to properly clean boat foam flooring to keep it in great shape and lasting a long time.
]]>From a sustainability factor, teak is not a great option. As the demand for teak grows, it can lead to illegal logging of rainforests in countries like Myanmar, which no ban has been effective against. Currently, teak is considered a high-risk timber, which is why many in the boating world are looking for viable alternatives that come with additional advantages not provided by real teak.
Teak alternatives have enjoyed a sharp boost in the market and are quickly gaining on real teak’s popularity. Faux teak offers a variety of advantages, like increased longevity, reduced installation and labor costs, and customization that you simply can’t get with real teak. Many also do not absorb water like teak does, so they’re easier to keep clean.
For those who want the appearance of natural teak with the advantages that come with foam decking, DEKit is a perfect solution. DEKit’s decking provides a non-skid surface, like teak, but it won’t wear as quickly. Traditional teak can start to wear thin, which could lead to the need for an expensive replacement deck. Our DEKit product is so durable, you will have the longevity that you crave, without the hassles of teak or the limitations of its ability to withstand the demands of water resistance. And cleaning foam boat flooring is easy!
Another critical advantage that DEKit offers is its exclusive cross-linked PE-EVA foam that helps with shock absorption when you are out on the water for the day. It helps lessen the blow of what a day at sea can do to your tired and weary muscles, joints, and bones. When you combine the durability of our product with our 3M PSA and UV Protectants, our teak alternative will last for years, boasting both comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Unlike teak, DEKit foam decking comes with a 3-year warranty to give you the assurance that your investment is securely backed. When you follow the instructions for care, your foam decking is guaranteed to maintain its optimal appearance - and if something should happen, we have you covered.
Teak has traditionally been the highest-end boat decking in the industry, but that doesn’t mean that it is a sound investment compared to other decking products like DEKit. Also, the sustainability of teak is a very real concern - not just for the boating industry, but for forest conservation as well. By choosing us, you are making an eco-friendly choice, while gaining the benefits that come with our teak decking alternative. Our foam decking is fully customizable, provides longevity and durability, and is backed by our warranty. Contact us today to customize your boat decking with our luxurious products!
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