Ultimate Sole

[mrbill]

For three years I have used the product Ultimate Sole on my cockpit grate and engine hatch (which is located in the floor of the cockpit). When I went to buy a new supply, it appears the product is no longer on the market. I researched and found an alternate product called GymSeal which purportedly produces  the same anti-slip characteristics of Ultimate Sole. However, it too appears to be off the market. I really liked the Ultimate sole: I never experienced a slip barefoot or in boat shoes, no matter what the sea conditions or heel of the boat.

Does anyone have a recommendation on an alternate product? I don't want to leave it as bare wood, or put down ugly anti-slip strips.

[Chattcatdaddy]

I haven`t ever used this product myself but it has gotten pretty good reviews.

http://www.seadek.com/

Last 5-7 years according to the website and pretty decent price.

[Oldrig]

Bill,

I hope you're wrong about this, because I just refinished my cabin sole with Ultimate Sole, and it has proven to be all that it's supposed to be.

I do have enough left over for at least one more application, but I'd hate to see this product disappear.

BTW, I just sent an e-mail to the two guys who were running the operation.

Their website seems to be going dark.

--Joe

[Delezynski]

Bill,

We used GymSeal on our cabin sole in 2001. We have been VERY happy with it. It has lasted just fine and except for a spot I let some thinner sit on for a day or two, it's just like new.

Before I used it on our boat, I coated ? of a piece of teak board about 2 inches wide by 2 foot long by ? inch thick. I then left it sitting out in a can of sea water about ? way up the coated side of the wood for a month. It held up just fine!! I let the wood sit out for over 6 months and all was GREAT. This took place in the San Francisco Bay area. We will use it the next time we need to.

Greg

[mrbill]

GymSeal was given to me as an alternative to Ultimate Sole...but it too appears to be off the market with no substitutes given.

[Delezynski]

Bill,

Take a look at:
http://www.valsparglobal.com/val/resident/gymseal.jsp

Still there, it's by McCloskey. We get ours at OSH a local large hardware store.

Greg

[Delezynski]

Bill,

I just did some more looking and it looks like all the normal places I have seen it lately seem to be "out of stock". WOW, and I was going to order some just in case!

Another product I just saw MAY be a replacement???? Take a look at:
http://www.waterlox.com/site/559/default.aspx

It says;
"Our products are different than those that consist of 100% tung oil. Waterlox?s exclusive process takes tung oil, resin, mineral spirits, and other ingredients, to produce a complete wood finish that gives you the look and feel of a naturally-oiled wood, with the additional benefit of forming a surface that is waterproof  (also beer, salsa, and merlot proof!).  Waterlox stands up to heavy use and won?t chip, crack, peel, or water spot.  Waterlox is easy to apply, repair, and re-coat when necessary.  Above or below decks, there is a Waterlox product for the job."

I HAVE NOT used it, so can not recommend it with any authority.

Take a look at:
http://www.hardwoodflooringtalk.com/forum/all-the-flooring-contractors-buy-gymseal-t3678.html

for a thread about replacement for GymSeal.

Greg