Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

[rbryant1492_mfb]

My area was hit by a small Hurricane last thur and as I checked out my boat I really hate the carpet in the boat.
Here is why my neighbor built me a nice motor cover for my inboard out of 1/2inch treated plywood and a metal frame..
I noticed that the cover sits on the carper with hold water for a while when wet which caused the bottom of the plywood to be wet. I guess I will have to treat the bottom 2 inches all around of the cover with epoxy or pull up the carpet where the cover sits.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

that's a very common problem with any boat, where the seats, motor cover etc, intersect with the carpeted floor. carpet has no place in a boat, or my home. if the boat is trailer, store bow high, place a spacer, under the edge of the dog house, so air can get to the carpet. also cover the boat.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

I have come to realize that carpet in boats is a bad idea. The little carpet mats that snap down are another matter all together. Its the carpet that is glued down hull to hull that is the problem. If you boat on salt water, carpets not only hold sand, but salt water gets stinky in a carpet, dries and leaves salt, and other things that build up and make a stink when humid.

The snap down carpets can be removed and washed, I have no problem with that. I just want to beat the guy who decided that carpeting the whole inside of a boat was a great idea with a big ugly stick.

I am going to pull out the carpet from my Capri and replace with something vinyl from Nautolex.

BTW, if you notice, Bayliner does not use carpet in their high end Discovery series boats.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

Although carpet has it's drawbacks when it comes to holding moisture, I like it for it's looks and it's comfort. Also red carpet doesn't show fish blood!

Seriously, I think good indoor-outdoor carpet has utility (for appearance only) for some boats. I have teal carpet in my speedboat. it looks real nice with the white hull and white seats and black Merc. The fact that it gets wet doesn't cause me a problem as the floor has several coats of polyester resin over a couple of layers of cloth and is unaffected by wetness. The carpet is also comfy for my barefeet.

My new 21 Dual Console has non-slip white textured fiberglass on the floor. It can be a bit abrasive to bare feet, and shows every grain of sand. it is easier to get the fish guts out of, however.

 

[rbryant1492]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

I really think unless your boat is in a water tight enlosure and with no chance of moisture carpet is a bad idea.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

I really think unless your boat is in a water tight enlosure and with no chance of moisture carpet is a bad idea.

Wiser words were never spoken.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

Gee, I just don't get it. Let the carpet dry in the sun. Spray it with the purple stuff to get the oil and dirt out, and hose it off. Carpet only rots surfaces under it that are not protected properly.

The only time carpet is a drag is when you first launch the boat. You have just cleaned the boat thoroughly, and then you need to look under the dashboard or splashwell, and the wet carpet gives you a wet butt and t-shirt.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

Gee, I just don't get it. Let the carpet dry in the sun. Spray it with the purple stuff to get the oil and dirt out, and hose it off. Carpet only rots surfaces under it that are not protected properly.

The only time carpet is a drag is when you first launch the boat. You have just cleaned the boat thoroughly, and then you need to look under the dashboard or splashwell, and the wet carpet gives you a wet butt and t-shirt.

Well let's see. I just pulled the carpet up on my '76 Beachcraft. I had to use a shovel to get all the sand off the deck underneath it. At other times I've gone out crabbing. The traps pull up bits of seaweed. It is impossible to hose the bits and pieces off the carpet.

As far as the moisture being held in and the effect on the floor below, most boats were never made that well to withstand the constant standing moisture.

I say, ban carpets.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

I second that!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

I second that!

Nice seating arraingment mtnrat. I can picture a whole bevy of beauties langourously lounging across your rear seats.

...oh, and nice clean floor. No Carpet='s very good.

 

[escapade]

Re: Boats + Carpet + Water = Bad idea

what did you use on the deck?