2003 FM 165 Carpet Damage/Wear

[hacrwj]

Interested in buying a FM 165 as an upgrade to an older FM 142. I just looked at a 2003 in great shape except for the carpet. There was a large worn spot on one of the rear storage doors. Also, the carpet in general appeared worn with some of the corners exposing the plywood. The steering wheel also had some black spots on it (mildew?). The rest of the boat looked great with no dock rash or scratches. My assumption is that the boat has been put away wet and stored outside trapping moisture inside the cover. Does this sound reaonable? Should I expect carpte wear in the corners in a boat 7 years old? Should I be concerned about this? Could the plywood be rotted in a boat this new or am I simply looking at some carpet repair?

Thanks for the help

 

[wallyair]

Re: 2003 FM 165 Carpet Damage/Wear

I've owned a 2004 FM 165s for 2 years and just this spring replaced all the carpet and plywood. I know the boat had excellent care before I bought it, but the carpet had wear spots and wood showing. I think the exposure to UV rays in sunlight and dampness are the cause, The factory carpet is only 16 OZ and not too great when new. The old plywood is supposed to be warrantied for life but mine was loosening up in the plys and warping.
I used Cabelas Ultimate carpet in charcoal color and marine plywood at about $115 a sheet and reinforced the areas under the carpet around the livewell and rear hatches with glass cloth and resin but now it looks better than it ever did new.
Buy the boat right and do the interior, you will be happy and it will look better than new.