boat deck carpet replacement

[81_chapparel194]

hey you all its about that time again to get back on the water. so the end of winter spring preparation is about to begin. my prep job includes replacing the carpet on the deck, refurbing my bunks and replacing the tongue jack, pulling and inspecting the hubs and repacking bearings. *possibily* replacing the back to back lounge seats in the cockpit, mine are ok just the lounge support on one is broken. no biggie we dont use them to lounge anyway, so that may wait. and upgrading my vhf 2 way radio. and installing a slide bracket kit on my bimini top. not too bad of a project actually looking forward to getting out and doing the resto-mods. but with my carpet replacement what is the best method of securing the carpet to the deck? i believe the oem factory carpet was/is glued down. i dont have a problem using adhesive as i want this to look great AND stay in place. a friend suggested using my air powered staple gun with stainless staples. but i DO NOT wish to have any possible water intrusions to my fiberglassed wood deck. so i am convinced adhesive is the best method. BUT i am asking for your thoughts as im sure you guys have more experience at this than i do. This time and next time will be two times i have replaced boat carpet.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: boat deck carpet replacement

Glue it. Staples wont hold good.

 

[Toddavid]

Re: boat deck carpet replacement

Any reason not to use snaps, like on a fiberglass sole boat? Push a little 5200 in the snap screw holes? That way the carpet can be easily removed for cleaning?

I suppose you'd need to put some rubber backing on the carpet, too, which may make it too much of a pain in the butt in exchange for the ease of removal...

 

[81_chapparel194]

Re: boat deck carpet replacement

thought about snaps but didnt want the non taut carpet wrinkling with expansion from wear and temp increase/decresae. but i had intentions of gluing. is there a certain type of glue i should use? can i get a product from home depot/lowes that you use in house flooring? or is there a certain water resistant glue to use?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: boat deck carpet replacement

Weldwood Contact Cement is the most water resistant adhesive to use:

Contact Cement from DAP | The Home Depot - Model#:272

You will have to get the "hang" of working with it and I suggest you start with the smallest pieces or scrap before starting a large area.

A carpet roller is a must for a long lasting and professional looking carpet installation, you can buy one at Home Depot when you buy the contact cement. They look like the one with red rollers in this pic:

You can also use the latex based indoor/outdoor carpet adhesives too, but they do weaken when the carpet gets wet... then they strengthen back up when the carpet dries out. You'll need a carpet roller for that stuff too, you'll need a roller for any sheet good you lay on your deck.

Note: All carpet adhesives need a sustained temperature of at least 65*F for a week to cure, this means at least 65* day and night 24 hours a day for a week. You can use the adhesives in slightly cooler weather, but they'll take longer to cure... 2 or 3 weeks.

Read all application instructions on the can no matter which kind of adhesive you buy.