Does your boat need new flooring?
Great! However, the ultimate question still lingers in your mind; which one is the best? I got news for you! You couldn’t be in a better place to help guide you through the dilemma.
Here’s a snippet of what I have prepared for you. SeaDek is made of UV-resistant closed-cell foam, while GatorStep is made of non-skid EVA foam. SeaDek offers a three-year warranty, whereas GatorStep has a five-year warranty for peels and shrinkage and three years for fading.
And there are so many exciting features you’ll enjoy, so stay tuned!
A Simple Comparison Table
| Specifications | SeaDek | GatorStep |
| Type of Material | UV-resistant closed-cell foam | Non-skid EVA foam |
| Warranty Term | Three years | Three years- Fading Five years- Shrinkage and peeling |
| Adhesive Used | Pressure sensitive adhesive | Marine grade 3m adhesive |
| Customization Options | Less | More |
| Size | 40 inches X 80 inches | 48 inches X 84 inches |
| Durability | Five to seven years | Ten years plus |
| Installation | Simple | Complex |
| Maintenance | High | Low |
| Cost | Around $174 | Around $249 |
In-depth Differences Between SeaDek And GatorStep
- Type of Material
SeaDek flooring is made of soft, durable, closed-cell foam that is UV resistant.
The material is perfectly designed for the marine environment as it prevents water penetration and is solid enough to withstand harsh conditions.
Inversely, GatorStep is made of non-skid EVA foam that is super versatile and provides generous customization options that are unmatched in the flooring sector.
EVA has excellent cushioning, heat insulation, and shock resistance and keeps moisture away.
On top of that, the non-skid surface keeps you safe by preventing you from sliding around.
Also Read: Differences Between PlasDECK And Seadek For Your Boat.
- Warranty Term
Warranty is assurance that the product you’re spending on is of good quality, and if not, there will be a remedy in place. Marine flooring is a considerable investment; therefore, you want to see your money put to good use.
SeaDek takes liability for any defect and workmanship for three years.
In contrast, GatorStep offers a limited warranty, whereby three years after purchase, any fading that arises when the flooring is well maintained is covered.
Any shrinking, peeling, and lifting are compensated for five years.
- Adhesive Used
SeaDek uses pressure-sensitive adhesive for gluing the flooring properly. But first, you must prepare the surface by thoroughly cleaning it with acetone and a clean rag.
Then use alcohol and a rag to clean off the residue. When that is done, spray the adhesive onto a paper cup for smaller areas. But for larger areas, spray directly after doing the masking.
Conversely, GatorStep uses marine grade 3m adhesive that creates exceptional strength. The polyurethane sealant fills the gaps and prevents moisture entry.
Remember to ensure the surface is clean before using the adhesive for the results to be excellent.
- Customization Options
Stand out with excellent marine flooring, designs, and colors! To do that, you need flooring with highly customizable designs tailored to your taste. SeaDek does that, but the options are numbered in textures and logos.
Contrarily, GatorStep has more patterns, logos, textures, and colors that you can fully customize to your liking to give your boat a unique and excellent look. You can never get bored with this flooring type!
- Size
Size is a very significant factor to consider, as it all depends on the fitting of your boat. SeaDek is slightly smaller as it measures 40 inches X 80 inches.
Contradictorily, GatorStep is more extensive, measuring 48 inches X 84 inches. Based on the sizes of the two flooring types, you can decide which one will fit like a glove.
- Durability
On the hunt for highly durable marine flooring?
With SeaDek, rest assured that the flooring will remain in good shape for five to seven years.
The protective finish ensures it looks great day by day.
You have to maintain it properly, and you’re good to go.
On the other hand, GatorStep can last ten years plus.
So, if you are in the market for flooring with the best longevity, GatorStep is the way to go.
- Installation
Are you the do-it-yourself kind of person?
Well, you’ll love this! Since SeaDek is super easy to install, you can do it yourself. Due to the non-absorbent nature of the foam material, you can cut it to fit various sizes using a sharp razor blade.
Also, the peel-and-stick technique available makes the process simpler.
On the contrary, GatorStep requires expert personnel to do the task to create a perfect fit with no gaps. And remember, the results only look as good as the quality of the installation; thus, make sure to get the best.
- Maintenance
When SeaDek gets wet for a prolonged period, mold and bacteria tend to grow on the surface. Also, stains are likely to appear. To maintain this flooring, use an all-purpose cleaner and clean it with warm water using a brush.
In contrast, the maintenance for GatorStep is low. Remove dirt with a spray of RAD all over the surface. Alternatively, you can mop up the debris using acetone.
- Cost
You might be under a tight budget or want the best flooring for your boat despite the price. Either way, there is a solution for you. SeaDek is more affordable, going for around $174.
On the flip side, GatorStep costs roughly $249. It is a fantastic choice if durability comes first for you. But if you prefer a cheaper version that’s easy to install, SeaDek is the answer.
Which Non-Skid Marine Flooring Is Better?
SeaDek and GatorStep are fantastic flooring brands; therefore, there is no one type we can dismiss. The easy way out would be to identify the one that matches your needs.
So, what do you look for in marine flooring? Whatever it is, you’ll get it here.
SeaDek is way more affordable, and it’s effortless to install. Nonetheless, it requires more maintenance and has fewer customization options. On the contrary, GatorStep is pricey; indeed, there are better choices if you are under budget.
But the durability is excellent and has low maintenance. And to add the icing on the cake, it has a better warranty.
Also Read: Differences Between SeaDek And AquaTraction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The price usually depends on the size. The smaller it is, the less the price, and vice versa. The smallest, which measures 18 by 38 inches, goes for $43. The larger version that measures 40 by 80 inches is more expensive, costing $174.
When the flooring is constantly exposed to wet conditions, mold and bacteria tend to grow on the surfaces. Fresh air and sunlight help stop the growth. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or dehumidifiers.
Two layers are included for the standard ones, with a total thickness of 6mm. But for the premium mats, the layers present are three with a thickness of 9mm.
Like most floors, SeaDek gets hot to the touch after sun exposure. However, it doesn’t get so hot that you can’t stand on it since the closed-cell foam material is structured efficiently and effectively dissipates heat.
Wrapping Up
As we boil down the SeaDek and GatorStep comparison, I’d like to believe you finally got what you were looking for. Whether using your boat for leisure or fishing, getting the best flooring is a significant investment.
Pick SeaDek without hesitating if you want less pricey flooring with a simple installation process. Nonetheless, GatorStep is the clear winner regarding durability, warranty, and ease of maintenance.
Still, surprised why millions of boaters are hooked on SeaDek and GatorStep?
I bet not!
I can assure you that Seadek is not a durable product. Installed less than 1 year ago, I am experiencing “Light Amplification” which causes the product to “melt” and warp along with corners becoming unglued. Seadek warrant does not cover this as it is an “environmental issue.”