EVA Foam Boat Flooring for Florida Fishing Trips

Explore EVA Foam Boat Flooring

I’ve been running a bay boat in Florida for years, and the old vinyl deck was a constant source of frustration. On a hot day it was like standing on hot concrete, and in rain or spray it turned into a slippery hazard. As a Florida fisherman, I needed boat flooring for fishing that could keep up with salty water, sun, and constant use. I dreamed of a cushioned marine flooring that was non-slip and easy to clean, so my feet and knees wouldn’t ache after a long day on the water.

A few weeks ago I took the plunge and installed an EVA foam boat flooring kit from BoatFloorings, and the difference has been night and day. Before the upgrade, I’d often joke that just baiting hooks and hauling in fish was hard enough – I didn’t need to worry about my deck too. Old nonskid fiberglass floors make me feel every wave, and kneeling on them is downright painful. In fact, BoatUS magazine aptly describes closed-cell foam decks as a “cushioned cloud” that transforms painful fiberglass into a comfortable surface. Now, after installing the EVA foam, I see exactly what they meant – my entire deck is soft underfoot like a padded mat, and I no longer dread spending hours standing while fishing or navigating the bay.

When researching marine flooring options, I learned that high-quality EVA foam flooring is built for conditions like ours. It’s waterproof closed-cell foam, so it “will not absorb water” and resists stains or mildew – a must in salt spray and bait cleanup. The product info boasted that it offers “durability and style for any marine environment” and is “easy to install and maintain”, which proved true during my DIY installation. The BoatFloorings kit even came with templates and 3M adhesive to stick the pieces down (a handy DIY boat flooring kit), so it was doable in a weekend.

Installing the new deck was straightforward. I started by thoroughly cleaning the old deck – crucial for good adhesion – then laid each EVA foam mat according to the included template. The kit was user-friendly, and the trick of peeling a slit in the backing and aligning the mats made it easy to position. With a roller, I pressed each piece down firmly. Even for a first-timer like me, the process was quick and rewarding. Once everything was in place, I marveled at how snugly the pieces fit – it felt like a custom deck.

Some key benefits stood out immediately after the upgrade:

• Cushioned Comfort: The foam really feels like a padded underlay. BoatUS’s review nailed it – the deck became a “cushioned cloud” underfoot, so my knees and back aren’t sore at the end of the day.

• Non-Slip Traction: The textured EVA surface grips wet or dry decks alike. Even during a sudden downpour or when I’m wet after landing a big catch, I have rock-solid footing. Those sources emphasize that non-skid EVA foam gives confident footing in rough seas, and I can attest to feeling secure when my deck is splashed.

• Waterproof Durability: Because it’s closed-cell foam, nothing soaks in. I’ve spilled drinks, fish guts, even bait juice on it, and a quick wash hosed everything off. The Florida Boat Decking experts note that marine EVA foam “will not absorb water” and resists stains and mildew, and I’m living proof – no more moldy smells or ruined mats.

• Heat & UV Resistance: The foam stays cooler than bare fiberglass in direct sun. On blazing afternoons, my feet don’t feel scorched – it actually feels pleasantly warm. The material is rated for harsh climates, so Florida’s intense sun and salt won’t fade it or cause damage.

• Easy Installation: The kit included adhesive and clear instructions. It really was a DIY job; I laid the pieces out in a few hours. As Aquagrip’s guide promised, this PE/EVA foam decking truly is “easy to install and maintain”.

With the new EVA foam flooring, every fishing trip is more enjoyable. My boat looks sharp with the faux-teak pattern mat, and the difference is obvious. I can move around without worrying about slipping, and I no longer feel every little bump in the hull. When I sit on the deck to clean a fish, it’s softer on my knees. When my kids stand on the swim step, they’re steady even when waves splash over. That added comfort and safety has let me focus more on fishing and less on fatigue or hazards.

The Florida climate and saltwater are brutal on any boat, but this flooring has held up beautifully. After weeks of sun exposure and boat rides through choppy Gulf waters, it still looks like new. It’s stayed firmly in place despite salt, sun, and sand, and the foam hasn’t shrunk or bubbled. The closed-cell structure truly makes it waterproof boat decking – it doesn’t absorb water or salt, and cleaning is as simple as hosing it off. During a particularly rough weekend, other boats at the marina sat covered or for maintenance, but my deck looked pristine and stayed cool to the touch.

Looking back, I’m thrilled I chose EVA foam over more carpet or rubber mats. It feels tailor-made for boaters like me who need durable, comfortable, and safe flooring. I still get a kick out of running my hands over the soft deck and thinking about how far my boat’s ride has come.

If you’re a fellow angler or boater considering an upgrade, I highly recommend the EVA foam flooring kits from BoatFloorings. This personal experience is my testimonial – the difference in comfort and confidence is real. Thanks to BoatFloorings’ premium EVA foam marine flooring, my fishing trips in Florida waters have never been better.

Ready for a flooring makeover of your own? Check out BoatFloorings’ EVA foam product range and transform your boat like I did.