Cockpit Grates - Good or Not ?

[rhr1956]

A pretty grate on the cockpit floor seems appealing but I wonder if it is just something to collect grit, grime and small pieces of dropped stuff...like martini olives and small stainless hardware. Do you have a grate?

[Beersmith]

I am also curious as to the point of a cockpit grate. Is it so your feet won't get wet if you take on water?

Seems like you will get wet if you take on water regardless.

[Unicorn Dreams]

A cockpit grate is great, good traction, looks better than a slippery fibreglass cockpit sole.

If you do drop anything, you just lift them ip, no big deal.

[scook1]

We do not have a cockpit grate. In fact, I have not heard of one before.
Spencer

[sabray]

I removed my cockpit grates. Yes you can pick them up. I still pick them up there in the garage. Yes everything used to fall through them. Now its easy to keep the cockpit drains clear. I don't have to pick them up . Don't regret the change. Not passionate about the choice but I prefer this. Easier to maintain too. I suppose the removable grates could be used to bash a pirate over the head. Or thrown to a deck hand that's gone carelessly overboard. If you made them out of high grade steel they might even be able to be used as an anchor. Or better yet you could make them out of mild steel and lie about it.......
On the other hand maybe I should become passionate about this. Years from now forumites will be uttering not another grate thread.

[rhr1956]

Now that's the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'm feeling good about the money I'm going to save.

[S/V Illusion]

Look good, pain to maintain, great on breaking toes if you don't wear shoes. Had them once; never again.

[zeehag]

i LOVE mine--i dont have to slip on the fiberglass cockpit sole. wish i had more teak decking also.

[James S]

I like mine...the forward section is over a deep sump.
Haven't found it hard to clean....yet!

[capnorv]

Last boat had them (Hans Christian 34t), we'd throw them overboard everyother day for a minute or so to keep them pink. Good traction and never a foot incident. Current boat has one at bottom of companionway and don't have a clue why other than possibly bilge ventilation. I liked them in the cockpit.

[jrd22]

I really like ours. Much more comfortable to stand on than fiberglass and excellent grip. I wash them down with saltwater and that keeps it clean underneath, although I have to clear the scuppers of dog hair once in awhile which requires lifting the aft grate which takes about 30 seconds. If I'm working with small parts in the cockpit I put a towel or something down to catch them, not too difficult.
I like the way they look too.

[James S]

Originally Posted by capnorv

Last boat had them (Hans Christian 34t), we'd throw them overboard everyother day for a minute or so to keep them pink. Good traction and never a foot incident. Current boat has one at bottom of companionway and don't have a clue why other than possibly bilge ventilation. I liked them in the cockpit.

Its likely that that grate had a pan under it to collect the water that often is found at the base of the companion way.

[David M]

I never cared for cleaning grates and all the grime that accumulates under them.

[Doodles]

I made one once for a Niagara 31 we owned out of this stuff ...Dri-Dek | Interlocking Tiles, Sheets & Rolls

Comes in colors, is light weight, easy to cut to size, easy to clean and comfortable to stand on. Beats the hell out of the teak ones.

[capnorv]

Originally Posted by James S

Its likely that that grate had a pan under it to collect the water that often is found at the base of the companion way.

Thought of that, no seam for pan. Also has auxillary step up on bottom side of grate for when companionway ladder is removed. underneath is access to fuel tanks, hot water heater, water pump, heater, washdown pump, water tanks,fuel pump, and room for 3 toolboxes. Kind of an amazing space actually but only about 1 meter in height.