Just thought I would share, if anyone else was looking for a cheaper alternative to Hydro-Turf or similar products. Last year before duck season i bought some cheap "gym floor" type mats from the local trailer supply store (state trailer) and am surprised at how well they have held up. I used them for fishing and all through duck season and they almost look new, and they did a great job of providing some cushion and insulation from the cold water, and I never slipped now matter how much water got on the floor! I did the whole bottom of my boat for less than half the cost of 1 sheet of Hydro-Turf.

The link attached is for basically the same product, just from Walmart, the price is the same.

We have come for the kids from SAMS. Black on one side, colors on the other.

Did you glue them down?

Did you stick them down to the boat or are they just laying in there?

I've got some of this stuff laying around in the garage. It would be nice to try out before I drop a ton of money on hydroturf. I also saw a similar product someone else posted on MMT that is significantly cheaper, although nowhere near as cheap as this.

Side Note - These mats have tons of great uses. I have the floor in front of the workbench in the garage covered in these. For those of you in the colder states, I also use mats like these to make hole covers for ice fishing.

I didn't. They lock together very tight and don't move at all. i was afraid they would catch a draft while driving and come out but they haven't, even at 65 mph, with a nasty crosswind. I do have a diamond plated false floor installed though.

Only problem is that they are black. Black and aluminum love the sun. That's my main reason for something like hydro-turf

Does it soak up water?

I don't care about the heat, but the wife and kids do.

Get some with a reversable light colored side for when you aren't hunting

Paint them a light tan color.

Are they heavy? That would be my issue? They look like they would weigh more than the turf.


Sent using my bag phone

I used 8 mats total and they probably weight less than 2 pounds combined.

I haven't tried to paint them but I bet they would hold rattle can paint fairly well.

Here is another possible option from Home Depot. For only $18, it might be worth a try.


http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... d202019834

Hydroturf is only like $85 a sheet.

Or cheaper

I put some of this in my boat before. It was the colored stuff for kids(had a bunch laying around). I flipped it over and used the black side. The only problem is if they stay in the weather long they tend to dry out and crack. Also if you have the colored kiind for kids it will bleed when it gets wet and make a mess all in your boat. Its very light and will blow out of your boat. Half of mine blew out the first trip.

If I had a nicer boat I would put the hydro-turf in it, but I don't see the need in spending that much money to make the bottom of my $800 boat look nice

I figured there were other guys here looking for a cheaper alternative too. The gym mats work great for what they are.

Those are pretty cheap. I've seen guys use the kitchen mats from lowes with holes in them too.

I bought a closeout hydrturf mat, 47"x86", for $50, in tan camo. That will do the main floor, and I bought a smaller dark grey mat last year for $40, and that was more than enough for the front bow deck. I installed the front piece just before duck season and I hunted plenty and the hydroturf looks like new and I've tossed items on there and it has made me a believer, and it is light and cool in hot sun and provides good footing, and I've said goodbye to the outdoor carpetting I've used for years that wears out fast in the Florida sun and humidity. Like bbb said, the closeout pieces are worth a look!