I've heard of people gluing carpet (shag and low profile), neoprene, mousepad material, sheet rubber, and sandpaper. What's the best?

D. Ho
TheMightyHobie18 1067

Mask off and brush a thin coat of gelcoat then sprinkle crushed glass non-slip and dust off. It's cheap, provides great traction and lasts. Do not use on areas you will be sitting on (or if you intend to sail barefoot) as it will eat your gear. If you want to 'tone down' the abrasive element overcoat again with gelcoat. Remember almost everything in sailing is a compromise.


Cheshirecatman

That's way overkill on a Hobie 18. Either neoprene or HydroTurf.

Hobie sells a die-cut neoprene kit for the 18 (part #16708)
HydroTurf you can get through this site or direct from the mfg: HydroTurf

I have been using Pro grip since 1982 and it works great. This is a product that is used for windsurfer boom grips. I have had it last almost 10 years on a boat. You can find it at Murray Marine it comes either in blue or black. I put it on with Weldwood contact cement. Try it one time and you will use it forever.

I think the the "Hobie" factory kit mentioned above is the same material as the "Pro Grip" ... 1/8" thick Neoprene I believe.... but I would verify it first.

I have had the Hobie kit on my TheMightyHobie18(in med blue) for years and it is great(at least I remember it as a "Factory" die-cut kit) .... I removed the "Bathtub Grip(4" w) Strips which were tearing up my sailing gear ... when I first installed it I was skeptical about this "smooth thin stuff" ... I have since removed the 1/4" thick neoprene from my P19, ordered from Murrey's some 4" wide "ProGrip" and installed it .... works GREAT!!!!!

Idea: I've covered my "HotStick" w/ ProGrip ... it is GREAT ... makes the stick easy to hold, no slipping w/ gloved hands .... you can beat the crew and leave no telltale marks/bruises (HAaaaa) .... and it protects the outside of the hotstick a little bit

I install the cork ball on the end then install the "ProGrip" .... you will need to trim the width w/ a razer blade ever so slightly ... wrap in shrinkwrap (4"-6"wide) and let the contact cement set ... I also use Weldwood Outdoor Contact Cement.

I also have glued small pieces of ProGrip at the front end of my daggerbaord wells to prevent chafe/wear and it helps w/ preventing the boards from sliding down

I have some small "scraps" laying around here that I could send you as a sample so you can verify the material in the Hobie kit if you wish. If you need also I can make templates/tracings of the pieces currently on my TheMightyHobie18.

Send me a PM

Good Luck
HarryMurphey
H18Mag/#9458, Fleet54/Div11
P19MX/#86, CRAC-Open Class

I would guess surfboard wax is too 'primitive' ?

Wax? No- Even SexWax comes off immediately: Useless.
The harder 1/8 inch Neoprene foam is good.
Cork Ball- pointless: Use a cylindrical foam handle-cover for little drag when it is out behind the cat at speed.
Some 2 inch wide 3M white non-skid tape is pretty good and lasts for years: not too abrasive.
The black stair-step tape will take your skin slap off- down to the blood supply! I know.

I second the white 3M tape. I like the 3" stuff.