DIY Non-Slip EVA Foam Boat Decking: A Tampa Success Story

A Tampa Angler’s Deck Makeover

My 20-foot fishing skiff on Tampa Bay got a total makeover with EVA foam sheets. The old fiberglass deck was slippery and hot underfoot, and I dreamed of cushioned, non-slip boat flooring for safety. Installing closed-cell EVA foam truly “transforms [the] deck from painful to pleasurable”. Walking even in bare feet feels like stepping on a soft cloud – the foam “absorbs shock and reduces fatigue” after hours of fishing. Best of all, EVA foam is inherently slip-resistant – “even when wet” – so I finally have a deck I trust in any condition.

Why I Chose EVA Foam Boat Decking

Shopping around, I read that EVA foam is one of the best flooring for saltwater boats. Marine-grade EVA foam is a dense, closed-cell material that resists water, UV rays and chemicals. In practice, that means salt spray and sun don’t degrade it like old carpet or vinyl. BoatFloorings offered custom marine deck foam sheets in faux teak gray, cut to rough dimensions for my boat. I liked that the material is cushioned and comfortable – not only was it rated durable against wear, but it “is soft and cushiony” and cuts fatigue. It also comes pre-patterned with a non-skid surface, so I didn’t worry about slipping. All signs pointed to EVA foam as the easy, long-lasting upgrade my saltwater boat needed.

DIY Boat Floor Installation

I tackled the installation myself over a weekend. First, I prepared the deck: removed the old carpet and hardware, washed and scrubbed the fiberglass thoroughly, then wiped it down with acetone to remove any wax or oil. Next, I measured and cut templates for each section: I used cardboard and tape to trace around hatches and seats, then laid the mylar templates on the foam sheets and cut them with a sharp utility knife. Finally, I glued and laid the foam. I applied a marine-grade spray adhesive recommended for EVA foam, peeled the backing, and pressed each piece onto the deck, working corner to corner to avoid bubbles. After pressing every edge firmly and letting the adhesive cure, I trimmed any excess for a clean fit.

• Clean & prep: Removed old flooring and washed the deck. Degreased the gelcoat with alcohol for 100% clean adhesion.

• Measure & cut: Created paper templates for each deck section. Transferred templates to the foam sheets and cut them out with a sharp knife or jigsaw.

• Apply adhesive & install: Used a marine-grade adhesive to coat the deck (and foam for large pieces). Carefully peeled the liner and pressed each foam piece from one end to the other, smoothing out air bubbles as I went.

• Cure & finish: Allowed the glue to set fully (a few hours). After the foam was fixed, I ran a knife along edges to trim snugly and wiped away any excess adhesive.

The Finished Deck and Its Benefits

The end result feels completely professional. The new deck looks sleek in gray faux-teak and stays cooler than bare fiberglass. I immediately noticed the non-slip boat flooring benefit: the foam grip far surpasses old paint or carpet, even when the deck is wet. Fishing lines and fish guts wash off easily with a hose, and the cushioned surface is gentle on my feet and knees. After sailing through sunny days and salty waves, the EVA foam still shows no fading or water damage. This DIY boat floor installation gave me a deck that’s safer, comfier, and stylish – exactly what I hoped for.

• Superior traction: The new EVA floor stays grippy when damp; it’s “non-slip” even in wet conditions.

• Cushioned comfort: It truly feels like walking on a soft pad (“a cushioned cloud”), making long days on deck much more pleasant.

• Marine durability: Being closed-cell foam, it resists saltwater, sun and wear, so I expect it to last.

• Low maintenance: Cleaning is simple – a quick rinse of soap and water removes salt and stains. This floor won’t mildew or rot, unlike carpet.

Each step of the project was backed by what I’d learned: EVA foam boat decking is durable, non-slip, and easy to cut and glue. In the end, I have a modern, custom marine deck foam floor that transformed my Tampa skiff. It’s a project I highly recommend to any boater looking for a DIY upgrade on their vessel – the results really speak for themselves.