boat carpet - I need experienced help

[Scaaty]

Re: boat carpet - I need experienced help

Well, I gotta chime in here.
Carpet in a boat, is a total waste to begin with. There is now NEED for it. Just gets wet, and holds in moisture. Whens the last time ya took a garden hose, and washed out yer living room?
Then waited days for it to dry.
Same thing.
Just built up a 16 foot Flatbottom, that had zero in it (hull...super shape)
Did the "floor" ..on removable panels, screwed into the stringers, with nothing but spray on glue, and cut up Wally World indoor/out door "mats". on them
That was my particular boat, but that said...
I'd do "Rhino Liner"..(and it will seal the Alum Hull too..) coat the whole thing..(if a solid floor..!)..comes in spray cans now too..and colors..
Then a little Velcro tape..cut some outdoor rug to fit. then its EASILY removable. Then ya just yank the "rug" pieces..and hose it down.
50 years trying to beat Mother Nature in boats...not winning, but sure am gaining...a rug in a boat boat is like a living room with no roof in a rain storm...down the line, ya gotta say .."why did I do that?"

 

[Scaaty]

Re: boat carpet - I need experienced help

The boat is all aluminum - no wood so rot is somewhat of a moot point.

You REALLY need to rethink this thought....corrosion ..happens a LOT faster in the right conditions...(wood will take years longer)..and I'm a retired Machinist, that worked at Reynolds Aluminum for 21 years...

 

[dyers78]

Re: boat carpet - I need experienced help

ok - the boat came with carpet and has a ton of aluminum pieces that are shaped for carpet - rhinoliner or anything else will not work for me. The boat was designed for carpet and it's getting replaced with carpet - thanks for the input but if you can't help me install the carpet please don't comment. There is no way to not do carpet in this boat. About the aluminum - the boat has had the same carpet for 14 years and there is no corrosion or rot so I am not worried about it at this point. I just wanted a little help getting my boat carpeted. why would you even post something about not doing carpet after I already stated I bought and paid for the materials already and started the project?

My damn glue won't stick - anyone have some input I can use? too cold out still? I just realized I didn't let it tack up before laying the carpet - is that crucial?

 

[cbavier]

Re: boat carpet - I need experienced help

ok - the boat came with carpet and has a ton of aluminum pieces that are shaped for carpet - rhinoliner or anything else will not work for me. The boat was designed for carpet and it's getting replaced with carpet - thanks for the input but if you can't help me install the carpet please don't comment. There is no way to not do carpet in this boat. About the aluminum - the boat has had the same carpet for 14 years and there is no corrosion or rot so I am not worried about it at this point. I just wanted a little help getting my boat carpeted. why would you even post something about not doing carpet after I already stated I bought and paid for the materials already and started the project?

My damn glue won't stick - anyone have some input I can use? too cold out still? I just realized I didn't let it tack up before laying the carpet - is that crucial?

What kind of glue did you buy? What does the can say? Are you using a trowel to spread the glue? I certainly would think Temperature would be very important. Suppose to make 60 today...YIPEEE!!! Warmest day of 2008

 

[contractorguy]

Re: boat carpet - I need experienced help

I have better luck with unbacked carpet. Forms easily, and IMO will dry quicker.

When gluing, it is important to let the glue 'tack up' before placing the carpet. Most glues can dry for up to an hour. When it's ready, it'll be almost like contact cement. It should really grab.

Use as small a notch trowel as possible. It will dry quicker, and too much glue will cause problems.

If you have heavy backed carpet, and need some sharp bends, I'd try to pre-form it with some careful heat before gluing.

Good luck! I wish I was to the carpet on my Maxum!

 

[dyers78]

Re: boat carpet - I need experienced help

using Synergistic 240 as was recommended by the carpet supplier. I am still not getting the tacky feeling even when sitting out for an hour - the jug says 8-12 minutes. I did find a saving grace though. I decided to use liquid nails on the rims and edges to help hold now I am cruising along. I the first storage box almost done. i will feel much, much better when if I can get that done so I know it possible.