when getting in the boat using the swim platform black residue from the surface of the platform gets all over interior. What might I do to fix the problem?

wash the boat more often. change your oil more often if it is from the exhaust

Neal - you need to replace the platform surface. Contact Skiers Choice and inform them of what is happening, they will send you the replacement material for free. I had the same issue on my old boat. <BR> <BR>You can search the forums here and there are steps to replacing it.

Michael- thanks for the help.

Neal, <BR> <BR>I did as Michael suggested last year. Skier's Choice was great about sending me out some new material ASAP. However, after a month or so the new material started tracking black residue as well. The issue is that UV rays are breaking down the material which causes it to come off on your feet. The material is sprayed with a UV inhibitor on the surface during manufacturing. However, much like sun screen, the UV inhibitor dissipates after a period of time allowing the material to break down. <BR> <BR>I replaced material on my platform a second time, but this time I used Hydroturf which has a UV inhibitor blended in the actual material as opposed to being sprayed on top. So far I have had zero residue tracking. Unless Skier's Choice now has a new material that won't break down I would suggest going a different route (Hydroturf or Seadek).

I did the replacement material from Skier's Choice last year. Same as Richard the relief was only temporary. About a month later it started all over again.

rip it up and gator grip it.

I appreciate all the advice. Does anyone know if there is a place in the DFW area that sells any of these products. Hydroturf-Seadek-GatorGrip?

Order of the internet. I'm redoing mine with GG when it warms up. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.wakejunky.com" target="_blank">www.wakejunky.com</a>

<a href="http://www.hydroturf.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hydroturf.com/</a>

You could always get a teak one...never have had a problem with mine. And it looks great too!

I second the teak deck. With just a little bi-yearly minor maintance you could have this...... <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/540579.jpg" alt="Upload">

I considered switching to teak when I was dealing with my residue issue, but spending $75 on Hydroturf was a whole lot cheaper than $400 + for a new teak platfrom. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0>

I just oil mine and keep it out of the sun when not in use. What other maintenace do you do to your step aquaholic?

In the past I to oil but that lead to looking weather. So I now sand and recoat at the end of the season. <BR> <BR>This is what it use look like with just teak oil <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/540600.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR>Now I do this... <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/540601.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/540602.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/540603.jpg" alt="Upload">

the teak looks really nice but im not looking to spend to extra cash on it. probably going to use the gator grip

So what do you put on it? Does it seal the wood or can it still "breath"??? Mine drys out and gets scuffed up like yours too from all the boards beating it up. But I oil it every time and whenever I head out it looks like your after pictures. I heard that you dont want to seal them up.

I used to treat the platform of my XLV with 303, never had a problem with it.

It breaths, the teak is not sealed. I found this stuff on the web at <a href="http://www.allguardproducts.com" target="_blank">www.allguardproducts.com</a> <BR>Its really amazing stuff. The deal with sealers is that the moisture in the wood comes to the surface when the wood gets hot. If the pours are sealed the moisture will bubble and blister the sealer. This stuff breathes and has a UV block. I used this stuff mid season and we too slide over the edge of the platform and it looks pretty much the same as when I apply it.

Good deal thanks for the advise, much appreciated.

Gator Grip!

cant figure out how to upload a pic but thanks for all the help. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by moomba55 on February 18, 2008)

I'll second both Gator Grip and HydroTurf...