Bowrider floor covering

[Eric4479]

Here is a link to a restoration post for the floor covering. Once I determine a direction on my flooring I will continue solely on that post.

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boa...r/10557950-1997-stingray-190rs-floor-covering

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I asked the same question as you on a few forums. The consensus was Nautolex and that's what I have to do the bow floor. As soon as it stops snowing and temps get to at least 60F for the glue to set well. That might be in June the way this Spring is going. Just my opinion but I would pass on any snap down carpet, water is going to get under it.

I am also going to cut a piece and installl it around the fuel filler on the top of the gunnel. The carpet there is gone because of gas spilling onto it.

 

[xzhnu6ee]

I hate carpet in boats, esp open boats. It holds moisture, causes rot and stinks. When I re-did the deck in my 88 FW I could not bring myself to replace the carpet, I left it on the gunnels, but I had the deck done in non skid gelcoat, it's not slippery, and does not hold moisture like carpet. Snap in is better, but you still have to drill a bunch of holes for snaps, with a plywood cored deck, the less holes the better...

 

[Eric4479]

Okay, so... there are lot of options on the flooring. I was leaning toward the Nautolex but then got concerned on how to seal seams in the Nautolex due to the bolt width only being 72" and my boat needing much more. I saw the idea of the gel coat from xzhnu6ee and it sort of goes with the epoxy or resin ideas from Lowlysuburuguy and ajgraz. I would like to get more info on what the gelcoat process would involve. I figured it would be a good way to further protect the fiberglass coated plywood floor and might be all I need. Does anyone know of a thread that describes this process? I looked some but could not find what I'm looking for.

 

[JimS123]

My experience with Nautolex (and some of this has already been said):

• It does get slick
• Water gets trapped under it
• If you drop a knife or a sharp-edged whatever on it, it gets little nicks and cuts, then A LOT of water gets trapped under it

I hate carpet because it also traps water and fish blood, and also catches fishhooks, dog claws, etc.

If you don't have textured fiberglass deck... I say go with epoxy paint with non-skid mixed in. You can make it as grippy as you need, tint any color you want, no seams or funky bends, easy to "install," cleans up easily, and is easily spot-fixed.

(EDIT: all of this advice mostly directed toward fishing vessels)

I would argue with all of your comments re. Nautolex. I have had it on every boat I ever owned except for the woodies that had a wood floor.

* Never had a slick feel even with spilled worms, blood and pop.
* If applied properly the adhesive provides monolithic coverage. No place for water to penetrate.
* Dropping a knife causes damage, but the torn piece rarely is lost. A dab of PVA glue, push down with your finger and the repair isn't noticable.

It IS hot at times. I keep my shoes on. If swimming i throw a towel on the floor.

Vinyl looks nice. Any type of coating makes the boat look like the back of a pickuptruck (IMHO).

 

[JimS123]

Also, another question: JimS123, I got my boat from storage today and measured the width. At the widest point near the engine, the flat part of the floor is 74" wide and then continues up the sides for another 15" or so on each side. Near the console, the floor is only 57" wide but the sides are carpeted up 25" on each side making a single width product needing to be 107" wide. The Nautolex that I've seen so far is only 72" wide.

Put the vinyl on sideways. Butt a factory edge to a factory edge. Apply the adhesive like normal. When you roll down the vinyl some adhesive will squeeze out at the seam. Wipe that down with a damp sponge and the seam will be sealed. Maybe you will have a couple side-to-side seams. If it concerns you, cover the seam with a batten. If you do it right the floor will last almost forever and you'll have a hard time removing it if you decide to do something different later.

Been there, done that, never would do it any other way. You have to decide what you want the boat to look like. If you don't care, put on rhino liner and it'll match the bed in your truck.

 

[Eric4479]

Thank you JimS123. I was worried about the seams but now am not. Nautolex is my choice. Now to find a vendor. I will be recording progress in the post in the following link.
https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...floor-covering