Best Grass mats

W

Wesley Bouchelle

Active member
Looking to get a few grass mats for next season i have been using the cabalas grass mats but they do not seem to hold up very well and don't get a good color even after letting them weather for a while. I have got some mats that i really like but cannot seem to figure out what brand they are. they are a really narrow palm leaf and a darker brown. I will try to get pictures up of the ones i have in a little bit thanks!
 
I have the fast grass brand i ordered from LL bean. Can't tell you how long they'll last but they seem to be pretty decent quality. They're a little on the light side and could def use some weathering. Also the grass is a little thicker so if you could find a brand with thinner blades you might be better off matching up with the salt hay and grasses around us.
 
I have the Avery mats. They are the only Avery product I have ever purchased that has lasted more than 1 season... They are way too bright until they weather sufficiently.
 
If you can find the original fast grass that's probably the best way to go. Then I would buy it now and leave it out to weather in the offseason.

I have some super old mats of the original fast grass that are now dull brown, but we did weather and spray paint a few of the newer ones this season and they blend pretty well. Just used a little green and brown spray paint.

photo-6.jpg

 
A good idea is to zip-tie green snow fence or some of that black pool-cover mesh to the backside of the mats. This gives them some rigidity and protection, especially when rolled up for storage in the boat.
 
Wesley-I used to use those palm mats but I really can't stand the smell of them. This year, I bought some nylon netting(Salem Boat Exchange) and wove salt hay through it. It took some time, but now I will take it off soon, roll it up, and put it in the attic for the summer, and it will be ready to go again next fall. It looks great and blends in anywhere. It made a good shelter for my dog and hide for my boat.
 
I believe that Knutson's decoy company still carries the original Fast Grass mats. http://www.knutsondecoys.com/
I agree that they are the best, I got a set of Avery mats for Christmas and like every other Avery product they were a massive pile of crap. They didn't last a season before they started falling apart.
 
I believe that Knutson's decoy company still carries the original Fast Grass mats. http://www.knutsondecoys.com/
I agree that they are the best, I got a set of Avery mats for Christmas and like every other Avery product they were a massive pile of crap. They didn't last a season before they started falling apart.
Click to expand...
.
.
.
I made the mistake of trying those Avery mats with the same result....
 
The best deal...believe it or not is usually L.L. Bean for the original Fast Grass Mats.

Free Shipping

As others have said , the Fast Grass mats are the best.
 
Joe i had seen that LL bean has the mats. Looks like they have a fair price for them plus the free shipping for a bulk size product makes it even better.
 
The only ones worse then avery are from cabelas. Just finished the 3rd season with the fast grass. I let them weather for a year outside when they're new.
 
The only ones worse then avery are from cabelas. Just finished the 3rd season with the fast grass. I let them weather for a year outside when they're new.
Click to expand...
Spray them with a matte clear Rustoleum. I think it is called Duracote, this really extends their resilience after they are aged to weather the out-or-bag color back to something closer to background marsh colors.
 
Fast Grass lasted me a few years. When new I used Minwax Golden Oak spray stain/poly combo to make the grass look aged. This worked very well.
 
wet the mats with a garden hose then roll them up and keep them damp for 2 weeks in a shady area they will turn brown on their own,Im on my 3rd year with them,no problems
 
Tom, thanks I think I will try your idea, since you are stabilizing the fronds from the get go, rather than letting them weather (controlled rot) and then acting...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top