ANA Link cockpit grating

[Bluejohn]

I have ANA Link rubber or composition cockpit grating in my 19ft sailing boat. This transfers black on to footware when it is wet and leaves blackmarks on the topsides when walked over. Probably the composition is breaking down. Can anyone advise me how to clean the surface of the grating to solve the problem.

 

[Norman_E]

I Really doubt there is anything you can do to clean it. The most likely cause is that UV light has started to destroy the bonds that hold the composition together. Possibly if you turn it over the other side that has not been exposed to sunlight will be in better condition, but the worn side will then mark your deck or cockpit sole. You could try pressure washing the stuff (out of the boat) to strip off all the loose black stuff, but it will probably disintegrate under the attack, so it is most likely replacement time.

 

[Bluejohn]

Thanks Norman, I will have a go with the pressure washer, as the grating seems to be very solid and probably won't disintegrate.

 

[Norman_E]

Suggest you go gently with the pressure washer. use the ordinary spray, not the turbo lance, and try a small area you are prepared to sacrifice first.
I have not tried this with a rubber grating, but used on a workshop rubber mat, the washer did take off the loose surface rubber. I then turned the mat over to use the unworn face. Problem is, how do you tell what your grating is actually made of. It could be a composition made from reclaimed rubber from old car tyres, in which case the pressure washer could rip it apart.

 

[Lakesailor]

Sounds like a job for Skip-Man.