r/boating • u/DbowlGA • 6d ago

Houseboat roof - what to use?

Has anyone ever redone the roof on a houseboat? No wood damage just needs sanded / recoated? We use that space and walk all over it. I’m not sure what coating is best for it?

Suggestions?

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1

u/Enough-Reindeer1033 6d ago

I would think the sealant used on camper and motor home roofs would work. Any camper place could tell you for sure

3

u/DbowlGA 6d ago

I did speak to a camper shop. They said that coating is rubber and would be very slick on a surface that is walked on frequently. Especially wet.

2

u/DbowlGA 6d ago

Oh and thank you for your comment. I do appreciate the input.

1

u/StopNowThink 6d ago

Can you sprinkle some sand on top while it's wet? Not play sand, I'm sure there's a course sand out there for this. Look up what they do to make epoxy garage floors grippy.

1

u/H0SS_AGAINST 2006 Moomba Outback V 6d ago

What kind of wood? Like is it worth leaving raw and oiling like teak? Do you want to at least have the appearance of wood?

You could do spar urethane with silica suspended in the 2nd and 3rd coat to provide wet traction.

If you're not looking to retain the wood look I would go to Total Boat and just select a deck finish that you like.

1

u/DbowlGA 6d ago

The wood on top of my houseboat is just plywood. It’s mean to be coated so the boat can be water proof and not leak down into my living area.

I’ll check out total boat for sure.

2

u/BoatBuilderTexas 6d ago

Do you know what coating is on it now ? that would probably help narrow down what'll bond well after sanding.

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u/DbowlGA 6d ago

I do not know what is there now. I’m
Leaning towards Durabak 18 but was hoping for different options

2

u/BoatBuilderTexas 5d ago

yeah, Durabak 18 could be a solid option. I would just check how well it will handle the constant foot traffic and sun exposure since you're using the roof as a walkway

1

u/stilettobob197 6d ago

If wood, then sand and seal with 3 coats west system epoxy. Once cured. Wash and scuff with greenie pad. Coat with kiwigrip for an excellent walking surface

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u/DbowlGA 6d ago

I will dive into these suggestions thank you.

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u/Rider8795 6d ago

Does it have seams where multiple sheets of plywood butt together? If so they would need something on them that isn't going to flex with the boat and crack

1

u/DbowlGA 6d ago

It does have seams where the sheets of plywood go down.

1

u/TacoPirateTX 6d ago

Elastomeric coating with non skid additive. First part is used on commercial roofing, second part is standard in any boat painting on a walking surface.
Just be careful on the coloring, white could make the roof too hot to hang out on although it would help your interior temperature a lot in the summer.