Oceangrip on PA12

I thought that I would take a moment to show you all how I installed my Oceangrip nonskid to my PA12. For the record, I'm really not interested in any sort of an Oceangrip vs Seadek debate, I'm posting this mostly to show how my install worked out for me. Oceangrip happened to be located near me when I was on my last vacation to FL so I met up with them and had them measure my PA12 with their high tech gadget. Getting their level of accuracy without it would be challenging. The PAs are badass, but as far as I'm concerned the raising of tackle management system and recessing of the Hydro-turf in the front deck area is a mistake so I took some time to fix that as part of my installation. This is my first time posting pictures on here so hopefully I don't screw it up.

First off I removed the Hydro-turf and cleaned everything up as best I could.



Then I used the piece of Hydro-turf as a pattern to cut out 1/8" thick lexan into the proper shape for the recessed area.



Next I roughed up both surfaces with sandpaper for better adhesion and then glued the lexan to the kayak with Locktite PL Premium construction adhesive. That stuff will glue a used car salesman to tefflon! Then I used some pieces of wood and old paint cans to hold the lexan in place until it cured for 24 hours.



The front deck area is now 'leveled up'.



Since the Oceangrip will have some of the hardware so near it's edge, I decided to flush mount some of the hardware to prevent the possibility of it peeling up over time. I used a countersink drillbit for wood and only used my fingers to gut into the kayak. **Using a drill is unnecessary and you will very likely take out to much material!** I replaced the screw with a quality stainless steel one.



Front deck installed. From what I understand their production version is going to be different, but if you like this then give them a call.

[imghttp://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/uscgairdale/IMG_1346_zps9b097a1f.jpg][/img]

The whole ride. I've chosen not to install anything over the tackle management system or around the scuppers under the front part of the seat so that it's more level for when I'm standing on it.



Be safe out there,
Dave

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Dave

Hobie Pro Angler 12 (awesome)
Native Mariner 12.5 (sucks)

I like it, but my concern is (for both this and sea deck) how long will this last and how diffucult is the clean up after you got blood and guts all over it?

I've had my SeaDek for about 10 months and it still looks great! Fish blood, etc. cleans off well. It's the tree sap and other stuff you track into the PA that sometimes takes a little more effort to clean, but it has not been an issue for me at all. If I remember correctly, the SeaDek is warranted for 3 years. Their website indicates that the lifespan is 5-7 years depending on storage and exposure to the elements.

I'll be happy to post a current picture of the material on my PA if anyone wants to see it. I fish at least 2 times a week (every week). I do store the PAs in the garage out of direct sunlight and the elements when not in use.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

So what happens after 5 years?

By the way, love the ruler.

No idea. Haven't had SeaDek that long. I would assume the material might wear out at some point. That is understandable.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Looks great, really dresses up the yak. Love the graphics.

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Just a Kid to the End

Looks good.

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