Installing Hydroturf?

[ToddRubi]

Hey guys, I have a quick question about installing hydroturf, I apologize if this is dumb question. I'm getting ready to order my hydroturf, I'm going with the dark gray molded diamond, and it says it has 3m backing. Do I need anything additional, like 3m glue, to install this or will the sticky backing be all I need, thanks.

Todd

 

[Dr Honda]

Hi,

A few things...

If you are getting it with the 3M backing (I recommend you do) then no... you don't need anything extra. BUT... I do recommend that you wash the boat well with a good detergent (not car wash soap with wax and polymers) and go get a small can of Acetone from the hardware store to clean the spot where the mat will be getting put. The Acetone will clean any left over wax, and oxidized gel coat to make the bond as strong as it can get.

Second... I know the dark gray may match your boat... but a dark color may get hot in the sun. I know even the teal mats in my boat will get hot. It's easy enough to throw a little water on them to cool them off... but I thought I would just throw that out there for you to think about. (that's also why my seats are white, and light gray)

Last thing... when you do the install... it's best if you can do it on a semi warm day with the sun out. The heat will help the glue on the mats to adhere better. Also... press hard for a few minuets to set the adhesive.

Follow my recomendations... and you won't have any lifting edges, and they should last for a long time.

 

[ToddRubi]

Thanks Tony, that's exactly what I was looking for. I appreciate the advice, my boat is cleaned up but I'll definitely wipe the surface down with acetone before install, thanks again.

Todd

 

[seadoosnipe]

Warm day...

Hi,

A few things...

If you are getting it with the 3M backing (I recommend you do) then no... you don't need anything extra. BUT... I do recommend that you wash the boat well with a good detergent (not car wash soap with wax and polymers) and go get a small can of Acetone from the hardware store to clean the spot where the mat will be getting put. The Acetone will clean any left over wax, and oxidized gel coat to make the bond as strong as it can get.

Second... I know the dark gray may match your boat... but a dark color may get hot in the sun. I know even the teal mats in my boat will get hot. It's easy enough to throw a little water on them to cool them off... but I thought I would just throw that out there for you to think about. (that's also why my seats are white, and light gray)

Last thing... when you do the install... it's best if you can do it on a semi warm day with the sun out. The heat will help the glue on the mats to adhere better. Also... press hard for a few minuets to set the adhesive.

Follow my recomendations... and you won't have any lifting edges, and they should last for a long time.

It is very important that you have a nice warm day or shop where you can keep temps at 70*F or higher. The material has got to be limber. I have also found that after I do a clean up, I use a medium grit sand paper to scratch the surface a bit. Really, not scratch but dull up the fiberglass to make sure there is no wax left over.

If you get the hydro turf, the full kit with the logo, they will give you a 15% discount for mentioning the forum's name. For me, I always go to their overstocked section to see if I can get a deal. Usually, the Challenger purple is for sale really super cheap by the sheet. Then, I purchase the 3M #99 glue to put this down with.

But, I have also used the stuff with the 3M backing and like Dr. Honda says, this is the easiest way to apply the hydro turf.:cheers:

 

[ToddRubi]

Thanks for the advice, Seadoosnipe, I'll make sure the temperature warms up a little before I do this. One quick question, is the kit that we get the discount on just the regular kit or is there a special one that has the logo. According to their websit, the kit for my 00 Speedster is $300. Is this the kit I would get the discount on, thanks.

Todd

 

[seadoosnipe]

Not sure...

Thanks for the advice, Seadoosnipe, I'll make sure the temperature warms up a little before I do this. One quick question, is the kit that we get the discount on just the regular kit or is there a special one that has the logo. According to their websit, the kit for my 00 Speedster is $300. Is this the kit I would get the discount on, thanks.

Todd

Since I can't see your order form, I don't know. I do know on your boat, that logo will show up in your description as it being on your swim platform. So, my recommendations is not to order it from the online site. Get the phone number and call them. Who ever answers the phone, tell them you want to order the discounted turf. If they act dumb, tell them that there is a thread in our Seadoo forum that states we get a 15% discount if we order a complete set as long as we choose the kit with the logo on it.

The 3M backing is extra. If you have a problem getting that discount, PM me or send me email and I'll make the call myself and talk to the manager I made this deal with and see about getting it for you. Or to see why it is no longer available. I haven't spoken to him in a while, so it's possible that it's not offered. But, let me know.........

:cheers:

 

[ToddRubi]

Thank you very much Seadoosnipe, I'll let you know if I have any problems, thanks.

Todd

 

[seadoosnipe]

No probs....

Man, it's not a problem Todd...... I think I'm going to call and touch base with them, just to make sure the discount is still available....:cheers:

 

[Scott0321]

Hydro Turf

Snipe had good advice. I knocked the pebble feel off when I installed mine. Your gonna love this stuff. It keeps the boat clean and gives the boat a whole new look and feel See pics

BTW- Go with the 3M backing and pre-cut. It's well worth it. Took me about an hour and half from start to finish. I've added some pics of mine installed

 

[seadoosnipe]

El Cheapo!....

Snipe had good advice. I knocked the pebble feel off when I installed mine. Your gonna love this stuff. It keeps the boat clean and gives the boat a whole new look and feel See pics

BTW- Go with the 3M backing and pre-cut. It's well worth it. Took me about an hour and half from start to finish. I've added some pics of mine installed

No, I did not cut it myself. I'm to cheap for that. My motto is, "if I can do it myself, why pay someone else".....:rofl:

I'm going to attach a pix of my Challenger so you can see mine. I bought two sheets of the Challenger purple. I think it was called their "over stocked inventory".... So, got a great deal. I think it was like $35 bucks a sheet. Then, I bought the 3M #99 spray glue. That stuff would stick an alligator to a log. But, I did have a member that I cut the stuff with the 3 M backing and was surprised on how well that stuff sticks.

I spoke with Mike earlier today and the good news is that he is still offering us the 15% discount on the pre-cut stuff. As long as you buy the kind with the Hydro Turf logo. Which, if you've seen it in other pix, it's pretty sharp itself. Anyway, if you want that discount, I suggest you call their sales phone and when you order, tell them you have a 15% discount for being a member of Seadoo forum. If you have any problems with your order, PM me.

Here's a pix of my boat, all hydro turf cut by me!....

 

[ToddRubi]

Thanks guys, I can't wait to get this stuff, I appreciate all of the help.

Todd