Congratulations on your new SFC Deck Spikes. Whether installing on gel coat or non-skid decking you can achieve a strong bond by following the instructions below. Don't worry, it's easy and you'll love the results!
Before you begin, keep in mind that the adhesive requires 24 hours to cure. So, if you are planning to be on the water today, you might wait until tomorrow to install your deck spikes.
If you are doing this outside and there is threat of rain, be sure to cover as the adhesive needs at least 8 hours to cure before being exposed to water and 24 hours to cure to achieve initial hardness. After 24 hours go ahead and splash your skiff but be tender to your spikes as it take 72 hours for the adhesive to fully cure.
WHAT YOU NEED:
1. GE Supreme Silicone, Window & Door Projects (2.8 oz). We have tested many adhesives and this one clearly beats them all. If you must use an alternate product, be sure it's 100% silicone. You can get it at Home Depot here.
2. Isopropyl Alcohol or Acetone to clean the gel coat or non-skid surface. Yes, it is safe for cleaning your deck but use sparingly. Both will evaporate quickly. Never leave soaked rags on your deck as concentrated amounts can cause damage. Always let rags air out in your driveway before tossing in garbage.
3. Tape measure to properly mark and align your deck spikes.
4. Clean rags or paper towels.
5. Pencil
6. Rubber gloves & safety glasses
7. Read all instructions below before you begin!
| Step | Comments |
| 1. Safety |
Put on your rubber gloves and safety glasses. |
| 2. Surface Prep |
Apply a medium amount of alcohol or acetone to a clean rag or paper towel. Thoroughly clean (1) the bottom of each spike and (2) the surface where each spike is to be placed on your skiff making sure all soap/wax residue, dirt, paint chalk, grease, etc., has been removed. NOTE: failure to thoroughly clean your deck surface will dramatically affect the bonding strength of the adhesive. |
| 3. Layout |
Starting at the bow, position each spike on your deck. In general, an offset of 9 inches (center to center) is recommended; however, you may increase or decrease the offset according to your needs. Once all spikes are positioned, stand back and verify it's acceptable. View from the bow as well as the side to ensure proper alignment. When satisfied, mark each spike location using a pencil. Mark to the side of the center point so you don't contaminate the surface where the spike is to be positioned.
|
| 4. Apply Adhesive to Spike |
Goal: to achieve a 1/16" - 1/8" consistent, void-free layer of adhesive between the deck and the spike. If you are applying to non-skid, the adhesive layer should be closer to 1/8". With gloves on, place a small dab of adhesive to the base of the spike. Use a gloved finger to spread it out evenly.
Then add a quarter inch dab of adhesive to the center of the spike.
|
| 5. Glue Spike to Deck |
Place the spike on the deck and push down from the stem of the spike until you see an even amount of adhesive forming on the outer edge of the spike. You can press down on the base of the spike if needed to obtain a consistent bead around the base. Remember, you want to have about 1/16" of adhesive between the spike and the gel coat. 1/8" for non-skid.
|
| 6. Smooth Silicone Bead |
Using your finger, smooth out the silicone bead around the spike. If you choose to do this without the glove (cause it's easier) make sure your hands are clean and dip your finger in water (it will spread easier). NOTE: When you smooth out the bead around the base of the spike, it increases the barrier between the spike and the environment creating a better seal.
|
| 7. Clean Residual |
(optional) If you want to remove the residual adhesive from the outer edge of the spike, apply a small amount of Alcohol or Acetone to a rag and gently wipe excess. Don't worry about leaving a thin layer--it will easily scrape off (after curing) with your finger or a plastic putty knife.
|
| 8. Repeat | Repeat steps 4-7 until all spikes are glued. |
| 9. Cure | Minimum cure time before exposure to water is 8 hours. Allow 24 hours of cure time before launching. Full cure occurs in 72 hours. |
Congratulations, your SFC deck spikes are finally installed! Now, go get your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy the view. It's gotta look beautiful! I know you're proud and we're proud of you. Please send us some pics and we'll post 'em and show the world your beautifully spiked skiff (mark@superflycomposites.com).
While you are enjoying the view, start thinking of a qualified response to all those nosy neighbors and curious individuals who must ask what those "things are on your boat." We like to tell 'em, "they're pelican protectors--and it's a skiff."
What happens if a spike comes off? Simply repeat the steps above; however, before you apply any adhesive to the spike, abrade the base of the spike using some sand paper. For best results we recommend a 220 - 320 grit. This will remove any old adhesive and prep the surface to accept the new adhesive.
NOTE: GE Supreme Silicone does not start to cure until exposed to the environment. It is also sensitive to heat. To get the longest shelf life of this product, be sure to squeeze a small dab of adhesive out of the tub without allowing the gel to retreat back (creating a void or air pocket). Then immediately place the cap back on the tube. We also advise keeping the product indoors.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email at your convenience.
See you on the Flats!
Mark and Mason
mark@superflycomposites.com
mason@superflycomposites.com