: I just finished my Chesapeake 17, and love it. It paddles well, is responsive
: I did a temporary fix with dorky looking Rubbermaid non-slip
: bath treads, but would like to find a more aesthetically pleasing
: permanent solution. Ideas please?

Liz, There were some discussions on painting canvas kayaks that mention Snow Coat and other rubber roofing materials that can be easily painted on. Mike Hank's post points to their site, which has an applications list. Included on that list are their suggestions for coating docks with a non-slip finish. You might want to follow that path - and read through their suggestions for materials.

Sail boats have used a layer of canvas on their decks to give a non-skid surface. This was typically "glued" on with a coat of paint. You can get cotton and synthetic canvas, duck, and awning materials from your local fabric shop.

Boating catalogs sell a rubber-based material that is used for covering decks. It is held on with an adhesive or a solvent. You can buy this stuff by the yard. If there is no minimum, get just 1/2 yard.

Whatever material you get -- canvas or rubber -- cut it into an oval, or egg shape, roughly 18 inches wide and 30 to 40 inches long. Glue this to the floor of your cockpit, and tell everyone your boat has wall to wall carpeting. Or, glue in smaller polka dots, strips, or some fancy pattern (a fish cutout?). If you cover about 1/3rd to half the area of your cockpit iwth some kind of nonskid material you'll get more traction, but still be able to see the wood. Be artistic.

Hope this helps

Paul G. Jacobson