8 replies to this topic

[Borne]

Not having forked over any money for the stuff (nor seen it in person), I'm very suspicious of Hydro Turf. It seems like it's just neoprene with 3M glue on it... and glue that disintegrates on contact with gas fumes. Outside of the lazy factor (don't want to scrub the deck), what is the real benefit to paying over 30 bucks for such a thing?

[Kevin Leclair]

I think if you read the other posts that are in this section then you we see for yourself why it is well worth the investment.

[Borne]

I think I did read the other posts. From what's being said, the benefits are as follows:

slight cushioning effect on your feet
easier to clean (i.e., dont really have to bother)
non-skid surface

The downside:

$300 or so for my 150 Speedster
the stencils were not cut properly on a couple models
adhesive works great until exposed to substances commonly found in marine activity
poor customer service reputation so far
not an investment as there is no return value for this, even at selling

I'm asking because I don't think I've seen the whole story. If you and others would be kind enough to tell me, then I could reconsider.

[Kevin Leclair]

I have had Hydro-Turf on two of my boats, the first a 2000 160 Speedster and the second a 2008 180 Challenger. In neither boat have had problems with the turf coming up.

I put the turf down in the 160 Speedster in 2004 so it had been down 4 years when we traded it with no issues. The 180 Challenger we put it down about 2 weeks after we bought the boat and have had no issues since. I would much prefer the turf over carpet; carpet takes forever to dry out and smells like mildew over time. With Hydro-Turf you don't have the drying issues and it doesn't retain a wet smell.

If you are unsure about the product then feel free to speak with Mike at Hydro-Turf first hand about their product. The issues you mention about poor customer service are not entirely accurate, they are a smaller company so I would say time to time there is a delay in their responsiveness. In turn to this I believe it is our part, the consumer, to follow-up to ensure we are not neglected.

The issues about the turf being the wrong size; Mike has responded to say that they might have the incorrect dimensions and he is working with this customer to resolve that issue. He asked if someone could send new dimensions so they could ensure they have the correct ones. Maybe if you volunteer to create a new template for the ski locker in your boat then they might even give you an additional discount for doing so.

[Borne]

My thanks for your commentary. Like I said, I didn't see the whole side. I can only hope others will also be forthcoming on this matter.

[ssmedt]

I agree with everything Kevin said and when i ordered mine i always called them and spoke to someone so i never experienced any of the customer service issues I was unsure on color and pattern and they sent me, for free, a sample of each color and pattern that i wanted to try. 99% of the pieces on my challenger fit perfect and there are only a very few spots that i can still see some of the dimpled OEM floor. but that might even be from when i did not have the piece completely straight when installing. I belive that as long as you clean the floor before applying the HT you will not have any issues with it comming up. i have not had any issues with mine. I don't know if you have stood on the back swim platform with the boat on the water but mine became very slippery when wet and i even had a coulpe people slip and scratch themself so I belive that just for the safty it is worth it. If you are conserned about the price you can buy sheets and make your own templets for about half the price of the full kit. I did this wth my old challenger 1800 and i was happy with the turnout but the pieces did not look anywhere near as good as the pre-cut kit.

[CONBON1]

Recently I just purchased a new 08 Speedster 200 and I was surprised how dirty the deck got. I, like you, was a little skeptical. I did a ton of research and tried to look for pros and cons. I opted for the precut kit and with the discount and shipping it was around $330. I would agree that it's a little pricey. IMO the only way to go is to get the precut kit.

I've now had this in my boat for three weeks and have used the boat for just about everything. Including fishing which prior to installing the HT it took me forever to clean the mess up. After using it I'm convinced that stuff stays down when it's installed properly. The other advantage is that is gives your boat a different look that makes me wonder why there is relationship with BRP to either make this stuff standard or at very least an option. Just my two cents but I'm completely satisfied with it and would recommend this to anyone that asked. Trust what we are saying this stuff is the real deal.

[tbrindisi]

I was the customer who had the incorrectly sized piece and who was unhappy with customer service at first, but I have to agree with everyone here that it is a very good product.

While it is on the expensive side, like you noted, it is a bargain when you compare it to other options like carpet kits and the fact that anything that has the word "marine" in it automatically has a 200% mark up over the exact same product for any other use *rolls eyes*.

As long as you do business with Mike, I don't think you will have any customer service complaints at all. He is a great guy! I wish I would have known I needed to speak with him to begin with, and a lot of my agravation could have been avoided. I sent him a template of my ski locker, so he should have the correct pattern for the ski locker now, so that shouldn't be a concern. Just make sure to speak with Mike when you order.

I can't comment on the longevity of the material and 3m glue since I just put it down, but after using it this weekend I do have to say that I am 100% satisfied with it so far! I used to rub my knees raw when climbing into the back of the boat onto the swim platform with the factory non-skid surface. The hydroturf is SO much more comfortable. If you can only afford one piece, GET THE SWIM PLATFORM! Sand and dirt sprays right off with a hose, and since the material doesnt absorb water it dries very quickly!

If you decide to pick some up, im sure you will be very happy with it!

Thomas

[Borne]

To everyone who replied, thank you. Your commentary has made me reconsider the product kits, and I have decided to go ahead and begin the process. Right now, there is no kit for my 150 Speedster 2009, but I'll find a way to make it work. If anyone can comment on THAT, I'll buy you a *insert PC beverage here*.

CW