AquaTraction Vs SeaDek: Which One Is Better For you?

Are floorings really necessary for boats? Well yes. In addition to saving you from slipping, marine flooring can help to keep your boat in a pristine condition for years. But which one to choose among the thousands of options?

Well, not all are good. If you do a bit of research, you will see AquaTraction and SeaDek are at the top of the line. But which one of them is good? You will find out here.

In this article, we will settle the debate of AquaTraction vs SeaDek for good. By the end, you will have a choice in mind. So let’s get started.

AquaTraction Vs SeaDek: A Detailed Comparison

The debate between AquaTraction and SeaDek has been disputed for years. But most people agree that they don’t notice much difference. Morningstar908 from The Hull Truth says,

“In my opinion it’s all the same, I’m sure others will disagree though.”

Yes, this is a comment lots of people will disagree with. And you should care about this disagreement because it can lead you to make a perfect choice.

There are some subtle differences between AquaTraction and SeaDek. Take a quick look at them below.

Points AquaTraction SeaDek
Density 140 KG/ Cubic Meter 190 KG/ Cubic Meter
Build Material Cross-linked polyethylene-based foam Ethylene-vinyl foam
Installation Method Screw down Peel-&-stick application
Special Protection Protects against molds, and UV Cancels noise and absorbs sun ray
Ideal For Personal watercraft Fisherman

If you are still confused, then it’s totally fine because we’ve got you covered. Take a look at the discussion below to understand which one is ideal for you.

Density Comparison

The density of the marine flooring is basically the weight of the sheet. It comes in different numbers. While the AquaTraction is lighter than the SeaDek, the latter option is more durable. The 140KG/cubic meter gives the boat a bit of speed.

In addition, the subtle difference in the weight makes a slight impact on fuel consumption as well. Bearing a heavy 190 KG/cubic meter SeaDek flooring pushes the boat to comparatively burn more fuel.

But having heavier flooring has its perks. It makes the sheet more durable and helps with canceling noise. Keep reading, and we will get to it in a bit.

Build Material Plays the Key Role

Build material matters a lot when it comes to such flooring sheets. It doesn’t only affect the durability but the experience of the sheet as well.

The two most popular options for building materials in marine flooring has PE based foam and EVA. Apparently, they don’t have much difference. But in real-life experience, there are noticeable variations.

The PE-based foam of AquaTraction is much lighter (as already discussed). AMF Marine has calculated that the EVA material of SeaDek weighs 26% more than the PE.

Not only this, PE or Polyethylene based foam has better stability in terms of enduring temperature. The harshest condition can’t put a strain on the carpet here.

However, the EVA foam of SeaDek wins in the noise cancellation section. Moreover, it’s a more durable and robust option. The sturdiness successfully maintains its consistency over the years.

Difference Between SeaDek & Aquatraction Installation Method

Even if the build material and the density don’t matter to you, the installation method definitely will. When you don’t care about the other points, the convenience of installation is definitely the thing you want.

The SeaDek flooring is easier to set up compared to the AquaTraction. So, what makes them different? Let’s get into it.

AquaTraction needs to be screwed down. It doesn’t only mean a ton of extra hassle for you, the installation process will surely drill a bunch of holes in your boat. In other words, your boat is more or less certain to be damaged.

On the flip side, the SeaDek only requires a peel-and-stick installation. Just peel out the carpet to reveal the sticky part of the flooring and set it in the proper place. Make a few cuts if you need to.

All in all, the process is just too simple and quick with SeaDek. The best part is it doesn’t leave a single scratch on your boat. When you need to replace the flooring, just scrape them off, and the boat is good as new.

Difference in Special Protection

Both the AquaTraction and SeaDek come with their unique traits, and this is what makes them ideal for different purposes.

The specialty of AquaTraction is protection against molding and UV rays. The amazing water-resistant texture of the AquaTraction sheet helps it get rid of water from getting stuck in the corners of the boat. It makes this option a perfect one for long-time boating. The strong shielding against UV rays makes it more stable and durable.

SeaDek has its own perks too. Its thick foam material sucks up the shock and absorbs the vibration of the boat, making the boating experience quieter. In addition, the foam can also absorb the sun’s rays. This helps to keep the boat’s surface remain cool even after lying under the direct sun for hours.

Each of these features is targeted toward a specific type of mariner. Check out the next point to discover the ideal option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does SeaDek cost?

The overall price will definitely depend on how much you need. The price here is determined by the size. The smallest measurement of 18 by 38 inches costs $44. A larger one of 40 by 80 inches costs $175. The price should be between these numbers unless you own a massive yacht.

How do you clean AquaTraction?

Cleaning AquaTraction is actually quite simple. All you need is a brush and water. You can use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar with water. This will take off all kinds of molds or dirt coagulated on the carpet.

Can I pressure-wash SeaDek?

Using a low PSI, light-duty pressure washer is actually a good, if not the best, way to clean SeaDek. The strong mold that sometimes grows on it can be easily removed with such a machine. In fact, washing with a pressure washer can help SeaDek sustain its integrity and gloss as a new marine flooring.

Which One Is Ideal for You?

It’s totally understandable if you are still not sure about your final pick. However, after reading this point, there won’t be any confusion left.

If you use your boat just for roaming around the sea and going to occasional parties, then AquaTraction is the ideal choice for you. It keeps your boat safe from mold, and the texture is amazingly water-resistant. If you and your people are planning to get into the sea for a swim, then there will be water on the boat. But you don’t want that. This is why AquaTraction is a good choice. Moreover, it’s lightweight and helps you to easily go wherever you want without losing much fuel. Thus, a prologued ride is ensured with AquaTraction.

SeaDek, on the other hand, is effortlessly the best choice for fishermen and anglers. Is seadek worth it? Indeed, it is. Let me explain the reason.

The thick foam of SeaDek absorbs heat better. It means if you stay in the sun for a longer period, it won’t damage the flooring or heat up the surface of the boat. The best thing about the SeaDek is its vibration absorption. SeaDek can suck up the vibration and shock that your engine makes (thanks to its thick texture). As a result, silence is sustained throughout the area. It is ideal for fishing because the engine’s sound won’t scare the fish away.

Now, you have probably already picked a winner from AquaTraction Vs SeaDek. No matter what you choose, if you have followed the guideline of this article so far, you can’t go wrong. This should make the decision-making process super-easy. So, bid farewell to your confusion and gift your boat with new flooring sheets.

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