Removing/replacing gator step

[MvM]

Got a new kit for my boat. What’s the best method to remove old decking and adhesive and prep surface for new decking. I used goo gone and elbow grease to clean the swim deck, but seemed like pretty slow going. Any tips or suggestions? Thinking heat gun will help loosen the old decking and possible take some of the adhesive with it. Thoughts?


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[Zackdogg]

Haven’t tried it on gator, but for removing a laminate that’s attached with contact adhesive, we’ll use a squirt bottle of acetone, kinda peel up and squirt the the adhesive underneath for the width that we’re peeling, roll the laminate back, and repeat. It works awesome for softening contact cement, and most adhesives. Just make sure it isn’t going to screw up the gel or paint that it’s coming in contact with.


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[MvM]

Doesn’t acetone dissolve gelcoat? I guess if you work quickly, it’s fine?


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[freeheel4life]

Gel coat stands up to actone just fine. Use it to remove dock rash and bow roller scuffs all the time. Never used it for long periods though, just on a rag to remove plastic/vinyl transfer(dont use it on graphics to remove dock rash).
I heat gatorstep and peel it. I use a keelgaurd tool that Ive sharpened a bit, but a plastic razor blade in a good scraper handle could do the same thing. Elcetric heat gun to warm the adhesive and peel like a monkey. When its all up I use 3m adhesive remover to remove any leftovers and prep the area. I get the adhesive remover from auto body and paint supply store. Its strong stuff, comes in a aersol can and a squeeze bottle. The trick is it take a minute to start dissolving the adhesive so you apply it and wait and then the adhesive will wipe away onto a crummy cotton rag. Ive yet to find a better way. Its simple, yet annoying work to do no matter how you slice it I think. Peeled all the old Seadeck out in an Epic and put new GatorStep in a few hours, and I wouldnt want to do it every day.

[Jetdriver]

^Yep. Kinda a mind numbing process but it’s simple. After removing the old stuff I put a layer of paper towel on the deck then soak it with acetone for 20-30 mins. The residual glue comes off easy with a plastic scraper then like Freeheel said use a towel to final wipe. DONT use a scotchbrite pad or any abrasive to scrub it as it will take gelcoat with it. Prep the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying the new gatorstep.