20 replies to this topic

[jonw9]

So, instead of continuing to derail the "ordered" thread, I figured I would post my installation experience in a new thread.

I ordered my turf on Friday, afternoon (EST) I believe.
It has not shipped as of yet, but I started prepping already.

I took the OEM mats of the platform. The mats both came off easily, and intact. The did however, leave all the adhesive on the boat. So I spent a while peeling it all off by hand. Now my fingernails are sore.

I then started to remove the adhesive residue, but ran out of "goof-off". Now I have these globs of adhesive smeared around the platform.

I took some pics, and will post them tomorrow.

So far, I think I am like an hour into the process, but I don't know if everybody will need to do this.

EDIT: Can a mod fix the title for me?

[ssmedt]

I can't wait to see the pics, I installed mine today and it looks awesome!

EDIT: Can a mod fix the title for me?

[jonw9]

Alright, 2 more hours, and I got the OEM stuff off. For those keeping track, that is 3.5 - 4 hours peeling, scraping, and rubbing. I was worried I wouldn't be able to see where the new stuff goes, but luckily there was enough discoloration to see where the old stuff was.

Existing OEM padding.


Swim platform, padding off, sticker still on


Swim platform, sticker off, removing adhesive


Platform finished


Step finished, note discoloration


Top area finished, and discolored


Another of the step


Tried to capture the discoloration on the platform. Should be a little whiter down the middle


Now I need to clean the inside, where I did all my engine work.

[ssmedt]

progress looks great ; keep us updated

[jonw9]

Got my turf today, 2 weeks exactly. i attribute this to the fact that the yellow camo is pretty new, and they didn't have my model pre-cut. There was no shipping notification, as stated in the order response.

Rear platform. I requested white letters. I felt black, grey, or yeloow would not have looked right.


Here is a pice from the "step", which is the picture shown at the top in the above post.


I am trying to show the size of the camo pattern. I only had a nickle handy. I think a bigger pattern would have been better, but I am happy with this.


Table full of turf, trying to get the curl out of the long pieces.


A rough area where different colors meet. I am not going to send it back, as i think it is the nature of the pattern style. What do y'all think? It is really quite hard to see in the picture.

[ssmedt]

wow that looks great can't wait to see the install pics; your pieces look pretty flat; do you have any that need to be flattened from shipping like i did?

[jonw9]

Yeah, the ski locker and a couple pieces were a bit curled.

They have been on the table for the last day with random items stack on top to flatten them out!

[ssmedt]

Yeah, the ski locker and a couple pieces were a bit curled.

They have been on the table for the last day with random items stack on top to flatten them out!

haha yteah i found that that my old college text books were a great use for flating out my hydro turf.

[jonw9]

^My books are at work. I actually need them!

I am debating whether or not to install today. The weather is supposed to only get near 60 F. I think I would like it warmer for better adhesion.

EDIT: I decided to do yard work today, and wait to install this week. It is supposed to be quite a bit warmer, plus I will ba able to get some acetone to really clean the areas before application.

[jonw9]

I finished the install tonight. Probably about 2 hours from start to finish. This included cleaning each area twice (cleaner and acetone) and placement. The acetone made the adhesion great. I don't know if I could have peeled of the pieces if I tried. There were some areas that needed trimming. This probably wouldn't be necessary for most boats, but the SK is a bit different.

Back hood before application


More of the back


And more still


First piece down. Probably the most difficult, due to removing the backing from the letters.


Second piece, on the step


Another look at the first two


Third piece, the pad in the transition


Finished rear hatch


Hatch open, showing rear of the boat


Empty interior

[jonw9]

First piece, the ski locker. I peeled back the top third of the piece and stuck it down, then removed the bottom 23rds. It worked nicely


Slight issue with the starboard side piece.


To align with the "rough" area, it would need to go under the pad


I could move it back, but the contour isn't great.


Moving on, the clean rear seating area


Port cupholder


and starboard side


Piece on the middle step area


Port again


and starboard

[jonw9]

Port seating area, the next section done. You can also see the stereo and speaker I installed. The rear speakers can be seen in the previous 2 pics.


Slight interference with one piece. This probably won;t occur with other boats.


Port side done


I decided to trim the piece that didn't fit. I isn't great, but probably not noticeable.


Trimmed starboard piece. Did a little better job here.


Finished the front section


Last of the interior, the drain section (starboard)


Finished interior, looking forward


and looking back


Applied the port side piece

[jonw9]

Looking down on the port side


And the last piece. I decided to move it back, I wasn't super satisfied with my trimming earlier

[Kevin Leclair]

Install pics look great, congrats on the new turf!

[jonw9]

Thanks. It is looking pretty busy on the inside, with the small pattern.

I am glad I went with grooves. When the groove is cut, it adds variation to the pattern as the colors are even all through. I think cut diamond would make the patter even less uniform.

You can see what i am talking about up top, the picture with the nickel.

[ssmedt]

wow that looks great and great work on the install! wait until you are out on the water it is awesome to stand on!

[Phonsie]

wow that looks great and great work on the install! wait until you are out on the water it is awesome to stand on!

I agree. Looks great. Good job sir.

[jonw9]

Thanks all. I will try to get more pictures when I get it outside.

After cleaning the floor areas, I was able to see just how dirty the rest of the boat is!

[jonw9]

Finally got it onto the water today.

They wife says she likes the turf even better in the daylight (instead of the "barn") and it feet good under foot.

The water was quite cold, and it was a bit windy, so I don't know how it wet traction is.

She also said it sounded quieter, and i didn't even metion that as a possibility. i thought so too, but felt maybe it was in my head.

The definitely the first thing any new owner does to their boat. I wish I bought it sooner, but kinda glad I waited for the yellow camo color.

[ssmedt]

congrats; yeah i noticed a noise reduction also; and trust me the wet traction is like night and day to the way it use to be!