forum | Class Rules - Queries & Suggestions | Deck Padding for cockpit and sides of daggerboard trunk

Welcome to the International Class Association website for the RS Aero. Here you will find all there is to know about the RS Aero including the latest news, how to register your boat, and links to relevant documents.

Sign In 

					forgot password?
					register free...

Please Register or Login to post to the forum.

Home >> Class Rules - Queries & Suggestions >> Deck Padding for cockpit and sides of daggerboard trunk

yes it is 3mm and well i sand it because adhesion of glue. i thing it will be working also without but this like this the adhesion is better. the sand deck is not complety glossy only make it softer.

10/10/2023 06:47:00
SamuelM4
Posts: 3

Looks great, but I would be weary of the class rules and sanding the deck underneath if you ever take it off (as I'm sure you have read).
It's less than 3mm thick right?

10/10/2023 06:25:00
Simon Wilkins
Posts: 21

I made this from high density foam UV stability on mill machine and logo is made from anodised aluminuim plate cuting by fiber laser. deck is selfsticker on boat, but it nessesery to bit of sand the surface for better adhesion.

10/10/2023 06:09:00
SamuelM4
Posts: 3

Very comprehensive response, many thanks!

07/10/2023 07:59:00
Biku
Posts: 5

I got these to pad my knees instead of padding the boat; for a fraction of the price. Haven't tried them as they were oos when I ordered them for fed week initially and was worried about 5 days consecutive abuse of my knees. Will post again after a bit of usage, fingers crossed they don't slip constantly.

05/10/2023 09:19:00
[email protected]
Posts: 22

I got my padding from https://www.intensitysails.com/rsaeseadefod.html

Pretty easy to fit and has been fantastic as I like to sail in shorty wetsuits. It came from the USA to where I am in Australia.

04/10/2023 23:23:00
Simon Wilkins
Posts: 21

Another option is U-deck from Ultralon. I don't know anything about the product but heard some Melges sailors prefer it to Raptor Deck. They are a New Zealand company so it might be easier to source in the UK and EU.

04/10/2023 22:31:00
Posts: 0

I am considering deck padding. The Raptor padding seems to be only available in US. The shipping cost exceeded the cost of the pad.
Available in the UK from V-Rigger is SeaDek Marine RS Aero Brushed Finish Complete Deck & Cockpit Kit It is priced at £239.90.
Does anyone know anything about this.

PS If a few of us are interested we should organise a group discount for either pad. It would certainly spread the shippiong cost.

04/10/2023 21:04:00
AeroGerry
Posts: 3

Overall, it is pretty easy. Easier than installing sail numbers because the nonskid serves as an alignment guide. The section of decking for the area around the dagger board is small enough that it is easy to handle the material and move into place. I had to use some shockcord to tie back some of the control lines.

The big section for the cockpit floor is a little more challenging. I had to disconnect the hiking strap from the two aft anchor points which is simple enough. I installed the aft 1/3 of the section first to work around the hiking strap anchor point in the cockpit. I think this is the key first step for the cockpit - get the aligment around the anchor point right and then radiate out from there. I then removed the backing for the forward 2/3 and worked it from stern to bow. I would repeat that same process if I had to do it again.

If the class modiifed the rule to allow the cockpit to be done in two sections - port and starboard halves, installation will be even easier. I am going to add some sealant underneath the hiking strap anchor point as there is potential for a small amount of water to pool there with the decking installed. I also suggested the class modify the rule to allow a small drainage channel from the anchor point aft.

One note if anyone orders from Raptor. The class rules do not allow any logos or text to be embossed into the decking except the RS logo which is optional. In my opinion, the RS logo does not translate well as an embossed graphic in the decking. I recommnend ordering without the logo.

03/10/2023 02:16:00
Posts: 0

Hi Jon, to what degree is this easy or difficult to install once you receive from raptor?

02/10/2023 08:18:00
Biku
Posts: 5

I installed Raptor Deck on my Aero this week. I think it looks great in black and haven't seen any photos yet in that color option. I will post one here for reference for the communtiy. We have eight boats at my local club. After seeing my boat, I know at least three other owners are planning to install the decking as a winter project. It is a big improvement. I am surprised more owners haven't done it.

01/10/2023 23:06:00
Posts: 0

Not sure about dealers, but here is the Raptor Deck site and they have a contact form.

From the class rule book.

C.6.1.3.W

Padding of maximum thickness of 3mm may be stuck (using adhesive) to the (i) cockpit floor and/or (ii) deck adjacent the centreboard case, but if it is, it must cover the entirety of the non-slip in that area and follow the outline of that non-slip. Any padding must be single colour black, white or grey. It may not contain any logo other than RS. It is permitted to sand the non-slip surface to obtain a good adhesion surface for the padding, however, if the padding is removed, the non-slip must be reinstated to its Originally supplied state. NOTE: (i) padding may not be placed elsewhere, and (ii) padding must be adhered to the hull over the entirety of one face/surface (temporary adhesive breakdown within 10mm of edge excluded).

05/09/2023 02:07:00
Posts: 0

seems it has, but is there any dealer in uk that can supply it?

16/08/2023 22:35:00
Biku
Posts: 5

Has this raptor deck been made class legal by now?

31/07/2023 16:38:00
Biku
Posts: 5

I installed Raptor Deck last summer. Before that I sailed with knee pads but had a knee replacement and the pads caused too much pain. Now I sail in shorts barefoot and it is much more enjoyable.

The install process requires a completely clean surface with several soapy washings followed by denatured alchohol wipedown. Then carefully apply with a pressure roller no bubbles allowed. The adhesion continues to improve over the next few days, and I did not sail the boat until I was satisfied with that process.

24/07/2020 00:39:00
neilray
Posts: 19

Great solution! I also would like to have it, but did not find a dealer in Germany / Europe. What's about RS do they plan to sell something like this in their web shop? Thanks in advance for tips!

22/07/2020 07:44:00
Magnicht
Posts: 1

21/07/2020 21:20:00
Mark Ripley
Posts: 5

Has anyone fitted the 3mm padding on their Aero as per latest rules? Any insights would be appreciated.

20/07/2020 20:10:00
johnasyc
Posts: 15

Hi Mark

We are working on a couple updates to the Class Rules. These then need to be submitted to World Sailing for approval. Sorry but it will be a little while

David

27/11/2018 20:56:00
David Rickard
Posts: 70

Any update ?

27/11/2018 05:40:00
Mark J Cole
Posts: 18

Good to know thanks David. I used RaptorDeck on my A-Class which worked very well. Would be great if it can be installed in the Aero as well by option.

20/09/2018 10:45:00
Mark J Cole
Posts: 18

Hi Mark

We have had a number of discussions with various people, including at the Worlds. We are formulating a position and will let everyone know shortly

HAPPY SAIING

David

19/09/2018 20:35:00
David Rickard
Posts: 70

Out of interest - Is there any update on this discussion ?

18/09/2018 20:17:00
Mark J Cole
Posts: 18

Have Knee pads, which can move around and slide off the knees. Also the shins can take a beating. I am in favor of deck padding.

12/08/2018 15:56:00
ADK
Posts: 3

Having had a total knee replacement last fall I find that the knee pads are too painful to wear. So, I took and old yoga mat and cut it to fit. Wonderful. No knee pads, however I worry about leaving the pad in place and causing osmosis blisters so I religiously roll it up around the mast sections for transport. I support some sort of padding to eliminate the loss of skin.

12/07/2018 16:15:00
neilray
Posts: 19

Having skinned my elbow yesterday sailing in a tee shirt(+shorts!) , I do wonder why the non slip is needed. I presume at some stage in development there was a boat without it and helms fell off. I would think fine on the floor, but do we need in on the decks? It seems a pity to have to fit padding, but I would support a change. Sailing in this hot weather , I have much sympathy for those in climates always warmer than ours!

09/07/2018 10:38:00
Rickwill
Posts: 8

You don't need to change the class rules or modify the moulding as the abrasive non slip is just not a problem if you do the following:

Most UK towns are stuffed with charity shops selling jeans for a few quid. Go and get a few pairs in different sizes that you can wear over anything from swimming trunks to dry-suits. Cut the legs off at knee level and you have a cheap solution.

The other advantages are that in the current UK heat wave it protects your upper legs from UV, and you can get them nice and wet when launching which keeps your lower half cool. In winter they also protect you expensive wet or dry suit from wear damage.

Apologies to those dedicated followers of skin tight fashion that wouldn't be seen dead in anything so cheap without the appropriate go faster makers label!

08/07/2018 19:20:00
Neil
Posts: 34

Some sailors do sail downwind totally on their feet, but this is tiring and cannot be sustained for long periods (longer than a race downwind).

Other sailors go for a one knee down technique. I’m one of those. From a Laser school, it is best to be locked into the boat so you can S-turn with leverage. One knee down allows you to get lower in the boat and press against the side of the deck. When you are on your feet, you are higher and less balanced, albeit perhaps a bit more nimble.

For knee down sailors, you wear through the knee pretty quickly of your suit, or your skin if you are in a shortie. I need to wear a knee pad to protect my knee.

I believe my downwind technique is reasonably good and optimal for my body type. If I could use RaptorDeck, I would install it.

For newer sailors, this is a frequent complaint about the deck being too rough or wearing out their suit. I believe this would be in the interest of the class to support this change and would enhance the appeal of the boat for new and existing sailors without offering any competitive speed advantage to those that install it.

Michael O'Brien
#2500, Melbourne

08/07/2018 06:54:00
mob
Posts: 38

I strongly support this change.

06/07/2018 18:36:00
Paul W-A
Posts: 6

Progrip would be excellent. An outline recess on the boat would protect the edges of the progrip.

06/07/2018 07:57:00
Mike0rea
Posts: 58

Thanks for the feedback guys/ladies. It is much appreciated. This has some potential implications that need to be discussed with the builder. We have already arranged to discuss this in more detail and will revert after the Worlds. Sorry but various factors mean that it cannot be changed before then.

Happy sailing

David

05/07/2018 22:36:00
David Rickard
Posts: 70

I fully support updating the rules to allow the use of these deck pads. The non-skid is the only thing I don't like about the boat.

Tony C.

05/07/2018 15:25:00
Tonyc
Posts: 1

I would absolutely support a rule change to allow the padding. No speed advantage gained, more comfort for the racer means more potential racing, and they look great in the boats as well!

04/07/2018 21:15:00
Posts: 0

I agree that the non-slip texture is a problem. In fact, I would say that it is the one and only feature that does not compare favorably to the Laser. A bit of sanding helps some (and it only takes a few minutes to knock down the worst of it), but it would be far better to change the texture altogether to something that does not remove skin so easily. It should be possible to sail in shorts without fear of putting a knee down!

04/07/2018 07:41:00
[email protected]
Posts: 64

to echo facebook posting posting....

"If it can be kept cleaner looking than the anti-slip, then I am all for it."

+. not everybody is able to sit at angles that avoid kneeling for various reasons and this should be respected. The current anti-slip not only acts like sandpaper on the knees but also tears wetsuit boots apart and makes the anti-slip dirty from the rubber that comes away from the soles of the shoes, which is a nightmare to clean.

03/07/2018 20:59:00
Mark J Cole
Posts: 18

Keeping knee pads in place can be challenging. My Musto ones seem to want to be shin or ankle pads. I have recently learnt to wear my hikers or neoprene shorts over , instead of under, them and hope this will be more successful. Deck padding sounds attractive but may need regular replacement, perhaps?

03/07/2018 18:59:00
Posts: 0

I recently bought knee pads to protect my knees in the Aero so I can see why this has been raised. I can't heel the boat in an aft position for long otherwise as it is too painful. It might be a good feature for light wind sailors.

Kate

03/07/2018 18:11:00
Posts: 0

I think this would be a sensible rule change to allow. The non-slip is very skin un-friendly. I'd say it is the worst part of the boat (which I love). Knee pads are essential for me at the moment either to protect knees or to protect wet-suit.

many people have given the current finish a light sand to reduce the abrasion but allowing modest padding (could limit thickness and weight) would be great.

03/07/2018 14:06:00
Gareth
Posts: 173

All for the pads

03/07/2018 04:30:00
Hank
Posts: 3

I strongly support allowance of deck padding as an owner choice option. At 70 years of age and subject to easy skin tears and bleeding this is more than a matter of comfort. Albeit the Aero is a fabulous boat, the abrasive deck nonskid is harsh and results in road rash or worse on every sail. For those that sail in cold environments and who wear a lot of protection this may be an unfamiliar issue but for those of us who sail in warm or hot environments, me in Florida, and of necessity have little in body covering the deck is abusive to our bodies. As a deck pad does zero to change boat performance and provides no advantage to how well a boat is sailed this should be a non issue and open for adaptation. I will add that the universal complaint about the boat by first timers is the abrasive deck and this is deterring acceptance here in Florida. Deck pads as an option would benefit Class growth here where we sail with minimal protection. Appeal is made for this sensible improvement.

03/07/2018 00:53:00
Aerostar1610
Posts: 6

I agree that this is a great option for the Aero and is legal. On most sportboats. I would support this change to the rules.

02/07/2018 23:01:00
Randy
Posts: 1

I would like to request that foam padding a la Raptordeck be made class legal for installing on the cockpit floor and sides of the daggerboard trunk to cover the non skid areas. This adds around 6 ounces to the boat and provides comfort but no speed advantage. It also makes the boat more appealing to many.

02/07/2018 19:06:00
intensitysails
Posts: 4

Contact