Going to great lengths to save the existing non-skid pattern is
kind of a waste of time in my opinion. At least on my Commander
anyway. The reason is that the pattern is so worn that it really isn't
non-skid anymore. The only way to get a match of the existing pattern is
to make a mold of your pattern and then lay it on wet gelcoat. Lets say that it matched the original
perfectly, It still wouldn't be very effective. Good footing is important to wet sailing.

A good way to deal with damaged patterns etc. topsides is to sand the no-skid
area, prime it with barrier coat and then paint it. A paint thats worth a look
is Interlux-Interdeck. The colors are limited, but you won't have to use sheen-
reducer or grit, it's allready in there. This paint rolls on easily and looks good with
a minimum of fuss,read - slung on like house paint. With a light sanding, two coats
of barrier coat and two of Interdeck there is only the faintest trace of the original
pattern and with deck shoes you feel glued to the boat. The Interdeck is a
very fine even pattern suitable for bare feet and seating areas.

Once you've painted your no-skid your free to work on your core from the outside
and as a result your boat will look sharper, be stiffer, and offer better footing.
You dont have to use barrier coat but it does work as an additional waterproof
layer that is hard and durable and has high-build characteristics. It works as a
tie-coat with the Interdeck.
Cheers, B.
Commander#215