Marine Mat Installation/Traction Mat Removal

[Lawman25]

I'm about to install Marine Mat in my 06 230. Anyone have any tips for removing the original black traction mat on the swim platform?

 

[drewkaree]

I'm about to install Marine Mat in my 06 230. Anyone have any tips for removing the original black traction mat on the swim platform?

Wait.

Next week, your temps are supposed to be in the 70's. Pull the cover, let it warm up, and start working on the upper level first, so you can swap positions and possibly stand comfortably after you've been working at it. Removing the lower level first, will leave you with no padding under your knees as you work on the upper level

Some sort of adhesive remover will help, but those need time to dwell and work on the adhesive. A heat gun will help, but can cause problems if you work too long on one area, so maybe a hair dryer would be safer. You can judge your comfort level and choose accordingly.

Plastic scraper, and some Grey or white scotch Brite pads (Amazon will get them to you by next week). A spray bottle will help you apply your adhesive remover.

I've recently had personal experience with mineral oil (baby oil is the same, just with a fragrance added) making adhesive removal a painless process ON SKIN. No idea how it'd work on the mats, but I wouldn't discount it, and I would consider at least trying it myself, after using it to remove a CGM sensor that was tearing me up and leaving me bloody. Took 5 minutes, and the adhesive simply pulled off easily. Different adhesives, I admit, but I was considering using Goof Off, which some actually do use on themselves

I would spray Goo gone or goof off all around the edges to start (same with mineral oil if you decide to try it). Let it sit for 5-ish minutes, and start working the plastic scraper into the pad, trying to force the remover liquid further under, while also lifting the edges. Lather rinse repeat.

 

[anmut]

I recently read a great tip from Will at @JetBoatPilot, where he suggested to use a rag soaked in mineral spirits, place on top of your mat, then cover the whole mat with plastic sheet. Then wait 24 hours and after that it'll just be goo to remove.

Maybe he can chime in if I got that wrong...

 

[Jerlane]

There are lots of threads on this topic. Try searching and you'll find lots of info. Heat gun for the matt itself. Acetone for the residual adhesive.

 

[Bubba7827]

be advised that lots of great threads does not equate to easy job.

 

[bridgetjon]

I took mine off last year, and the heat stripper really helped soften the glue. Then I used a plastic spatula so as not to scratch the gelcoat. Acetone worked well for residues. It's a little long but it's worth it!

 

[Lawman25]

I took mine off last year, and the heat stripper really helped soften the glue. Then I used a plastic spatula so as not to scratch the gelcoat. Acetone worked well for residues. It's a little long but it's worth it!

When you say heat stripper, do you mean a heat gun?

 

[Lawman25]

be advised that lots of great threads does not equate to easy job.

Facts

 

[drewkaree]

When you say heat stripper, do you mean a heat gun?

I'm going with Candy, the one from Florida, working her way through "medical school"

 

[Lawman25]

First of all, thank you to everyone that replied with their tips and advice. Last night I finally got around to pulling the original traction mat and installing the new Marine Mat.
Second, all of you are wrong when it comes to removing the leftover adhesive. Back in May I pulled one piece of the old off, messed around with solvents and such, very slow going. Then life got in the way. I'll preface what I'm about to tell you with last night was 88 and humid as fuck out where I live, plus my original mats are 19 years old, but I was able to peel off by hand 95% of the old mats, the rest I used a plastic scraper. It was slow going, a half inch at a time, but the majority came up clean, no residue. The spots there was residue left, I didn't use any chemicals whatsoever. I used the pads in the photo below. Moderately abrasive, attached to a drill. Took the residue off easily with no damage to the fiberglass, actually almost polished it in the process. I had a buddy help me so we had two drills going. From start to finish, pulling up the old and laying down the new, just under 3 hours.

Here is the link to the kit I bought on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7NFV1F?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_HRTWAX03BJPYNGFD105F&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_HRTWAX03BJPYNGFD105F&social_share=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_HRTWAX03BJPYNGFD105F&csmig=1

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. It looks great, it's soft, hell of an upgrade. I only bought the swim platform so I could see how I liked it, after installing it, I'll definitely be buying the cockpit kit come group buy time in September, and thank God I only have to pull out the snap in carpet and clean the surface for that one.
Thanks again to everyone that responded, but I'm telling you, this is the way to do it.

 

[drewkaree]

Wait.

Next week, your temps are supposed to be in the 70's. Pull the cover, let it warm up, and start working on the upper level first, so you can swap positions and possibly stand comfortably after you've been working at it. Removing the lower level first, will leave you with no padding under your knees as you work on the upper level

Some sort of adhesive remover will help, but those need time to dwell and work on the adhesive. A heat gun will help, but can cause problems if you work too long on one area, so maybe a hair dryer would be safer. You can judge your comfort level and choose accordingly.

Plastic scraper, and some Grey or white scotch Brite pads (Amazon will get them to you by next week).

Seems like I was off by 10-ish degrees. Adding solvents seems like it's not needed when you're around the 19-year mark. Duly noted. If only everyone's trials and tribulations matched up with yours, we'd have a foolproof method that worked for every situation, but this forum is littered with stories that disagree with you.

Mine pulled up almost perfectly, but I wouldn't presume everyone else would have the same experience, as your situation you're relating was far harder than mine was.