www.iFourWinns.com

I was curious if it is safe to tow with the rubber mat attached to the platform? I called the dealer and told them to go ahead and install the rubber mat. They had it in stock,cost $350.00 installed. Just want to make sure it wont lift off with wind or any back draft.

Thanks

Lee

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2006 F150 FX4
2008 H210 SS
5.7 GXI SX
Compass
Ratchet cover
Bow and cockpit covers
Bow cushions
Q&Q

I never had any issues with it. Just make sure all the snaps are snapped.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I towed mine home when I bought it over 300 miles at 70 MPH and didn't have a problem.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

I have read a number of complaints about that mat getting too hot. Might want to do some research before spending that much dough on it.

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2008 H210SS Yellow VP 5.7 GXi 320 HP (sold May 2010)
2008 Mercedes ML 320 CDI Diesel

It does get hot after being in the sun for hours, but if you manage to get it wet as we do just gettting in and out of the water its fine. I love the mat because we have kids in the boat and helps the swim deck not get slippery.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

I think it'd be nice to not have to keep scrubbing the non skid on the swim deck to keep it clean....

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I thought I read in here too that some did have trouble with it lifting up during trailering. I am glad to hear that it at least a couple of people have not had problems. I have the mat too although I haven't taken delivery of the boat. I am not too worried about it.

In your sig line you state among other things the "ratcheting cover". If that is the nice trailering cover that Four Winns makes. Doesn't that cover your swim platform any way?

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2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi

More dirt and grime collects under the mat than on the non skid. Yes, it is hidden by the mat, but you will still have some scrubbing to do when you lift the mat.

Did the kids actually slip on the wet non-skid swim platform before the mat was installed ?

$350 for a rubber mat !!!

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

My son and I both had slipped on the non-skid swim deck on our old boat. And yes the swim deck does get kinda nasty under the mat if not cleaned. I pull mine off every couple of trips out and wash under it when I am washing the boat and then leave it off to dry for a day or so because it does trap moisture under it and can get pretty nasty. But not a big deal as it takes a total of about 30 seconds to remove it and maybe another 45 to snap it back in place. We do a lot of hanging out by the back of the boat sitting on the swim deck and getting it and out of the water so the mat is totally worth IMO.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Interesting - on our SL the rubber mat is epoxied directly onto the swim platform and is not removable. No worries about grime getting underneath or it ever coming loose. I didn't think it got too hot at all last summer.

If there is anyone interested in a less costly alternative to the factory mats. I looked into this last season, and could have cut the mat myself, and installed snaps for about $130.
Just about $100 for the mat if you wanted to glue it down with adhesive.
I did recieve samples of the material, and it is very well made.

http://www.noslipgatorgrip.com/servlet/ ... Categories

Here is an example of one installed on an ESP.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I didn't think of that and your right. It's amazing how much stuff was under my snap in carpet when I pulled it up.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I don't have the rubber swim mat but was considering installing it before being talked out of the purchase by my dealer. According to him the dealership had received complaints the mats were being lost. I did not ask if he meant while towing or on the water. I also read on this board the mats got very hot when exposed to direct sunlight. Where I boat it is not uncommon to see 120 degree days. I have not ever slipped on the non-skid swim platform so this upgrade would have been for aesthetic reasons. I just can't justify the expense of adding the mat. Also if you have the mat you would have to keep it installed or live with the snap in "heads" outlining the edge your swim platform.

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Jeff
2006 H240 6.2 MX 320HP B3
La Habra, California

I've towed locally up to 65-70mph and have never had a problem with ours. As far as getting too hot it's not that much of an issue for us. If you want to get less heat in it try scrubbing it with comet and a stiff brush that should lighten up the color of it several shades, ours was more of a grey to begin with.

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Mike
Smithville, MO
08' Hayabusa, 2011 Subaru Outback, 03' Infiniti G-35 S.C.

I have never seen the cover it was ordered after I took delivery in November. The boat was returned to the dealer for storage 1 week later. I was told the cover has come in, but I have no idea what they look like. To date I have not even heard the boat running........I figure it will be another 7 weeks before I pick it up. So this board is what has helped me keep my sanity.

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2006 F150 FX4
2008 H210 SS
5.7 GXI SX
Compass
Ratchet cover
Bow and cockpit covers
Bow cushions
Q&Q