what glue to use for EVA deck foam

[chuckg5]

we sail our 42 Vagabond 1980 sailboat all around florida. now, in winter, the decks do not leak rain water (dry season) and its so nice. but come spring, summer, its a mess down below. we're considering going the cheaper ? eva foam covered deck. cutting the foam to match the curves of the deck concerns me greatly but also what glue to use to weld it down to the bumpy, well worn teak deck? contact cement may work but the summer florida sun can crack and dry out almost all glues. thxs!

[chuckg5]

anyone ever use glues for the eva?

[SailingHarmonie]

They are all glued down, using the glue that is recommended by the manufacturer.

BUT... If you are seriously thinking of gluing this down on TOP of an existing teak deck, you are going to have a holy mess. It will NOT stop your leaks, will look like hell, and not stick very well.

[chuckg5]

good comment, first one. something to consider

[Franziska]

Not sure of your funds and the purpose of your boat.
But the deck coverings like Treadmaster the like are not intended to waterproof a leaking deck.
Their primary purpose is to provide good antiskid properties and resemble a real teak deck without discoloring in the sun and the maintenance a real teak deck requires.
One of the glues typically used is Sikaflex.

If you want to really fix a leaking teak deck (and your description sounds like yours is in a really bad shape) you need to tackle it differently. Either by a proper repair and recaulking, or by covering with glued down plywood or by gassing over it.

If it leaks like a siff I suspect some damage on the underlying structure too.
Likely your boat is not really seaworthy enough to sail far from shore in this condition.

Best of luck.

[Bowdrie]

"A mess down below", "Well-worn and bumpy Teak".
The ones I've seen that had good success shared a commonality.
The long-term repair was that the teak was all removed, the decks cleaned up/repaired as necessary, and new fiberglass applied with epoxy.
Then you have your choice of several paths for final appearance/non-skid.

[chuckg5]

thank you all for the good responses. Its made me reconsider my options

[Scubaseas]

Teak is notoriously hard to get glue to stick to. Clean it well with Acetone or MEK prior to applying glue. Epoxy may work the best but because of the high oil content you need to aggressively clean the surface just prior to applying any glue. I agree with other posters that the best way is to remove the old deck, fix and rotten core issues and glass over with epoxy or vinylester. If you have no soft spots and there is enough thickness left you may be able to save the existing deck but it's a ton of work. So is ripping it up though. Ask me how I know this.

[Emmalina]

I would paint the deck with several coats of epoxy then think about the cosmetic side as to which EVA to use