Liz,

Why not use an old wind surfing trick, I used to sprickle sugar on the uncured resin on the deck. The sugar washed off real easy. Since you most likely will be using epoxy, you can sprickle some non-skid granuals on top of the uncured epoxy.

Since, you already varnished, you may want to just try a coat of varnish and sprickle the non-skid granuals on the wet varnish. This would avoid having to remove the varnish prior to epoxy.

You should be able to get the non-skid sprickles at a Marine supply store or you could use sugar [I'd do some tests with the sugar first(has the potential to be a mess)]. Hope this helps...willy

: I just finished my Chesapeake 17, and love it. It paddles well, is responsive
: and a pretty nice boat to look at. There is one small problem. The
: "floor" in the cockpit area is varnished and very slippery when
: wet. I have old, worn out knees and have to get a good purchase with my
: feet to make a dignified exit. Found this weekend on my new boat trials
: that I had to work hard not to have my feet (wearing Tevas) shoot out from
: under me. 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?