Carpet Replacement - How Hard? Any Tips?

[Marineduster]

I'd like to replace the interior carpeting in my Carver Santego. Can anyone give me any ideas as to if this is a job better done by pros. And if you've done it before, do you have any tips or insights. Information is appreciated as I don't want to start this job if the difficulty factor is too high for good results. - Thanks

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Carpet Replacement - How Hard? Any Tips?

I replaced the carpet in my fish-n-ski a few months ago, kind of wish I'd have had some help from someone who'd done it before. It didn't turn out perfect, but it's acceptable (and a far cry better than the tattered stuff that was in there when I bought the boat).

There are a few websites that give an overview of how to do it, they cover it pretty well. You've got to make sure that all the pieces of carpet are lined up in the same direction because the 'grain' will show. I found it easier to make templates for EVERYTHING, then double and triple check for fit before cutting the carpet. Then after using the templates to make your cuts, lay the carpet out and check for fit again. And don't get in a rush when putting down the glue, you've got plenty of working time with it.

That's about all the little gotcha's that I learned the hard way. It can definitely be done by a good do-it-yourselfer, but you probably won't get quite the results of taking it to a professional (won't lay out nearly the cash either).

 

[arks]

Re: Carpet Replacement - How Hard? Any Tips?

Removal of glue-down carpet can be the hardest part. If it's rips when pulling then cut it into 3" strips. Use vise-grips to pull the strips. After all the carpet is out you need to prep the subfloor for the new stuff. The method depends on if it's wood or fiberglass.
I agree the best way to get accurate cuts is by making patterns. I've used cardboard with good success. After cutting the carpet to fit you might want to consider binding the perimeter of each piece for a finished look- even the pieces attached to bulkheads. Last time I had it done it cost 1 dollar per foot, and was well worth it.
Installation can be glue-down or snap-in, or a combination of both. If you go snap-in, then subfloor prep is more important. As far as glue-down, use the proper notched trowel for even glue distribution. Vertical bulkheads may require a scrap of plywood clamped against it to assure adhesion until dry.
All things said, carpet replacement isn't all that difficult, but it can be tedious. Hope this helps.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Carpet Replacement - How Hard? Any Tips?

I took out the old carpet in mine drove the boat to the carpet store they measured it up ordered it and installed it best money I spent looks great.

 

[lrice01]

Re: Carpet Replacement - How Hard? Any Tips?

I'm in the process of recarpeting my '97 Tracker Pro Deep V 17 at this moment. Hardest part for me has been figuring out how to remove the various panels to recarpet. I haven't made any templates, just cut the carpet oversized, glue it down and trim using the old carpet as a guide. So far so good. I scraped off as much of the old glue and carpet backing as possible and had to drill out the old rivets that held the hatch covers to the hinges. That was a fair amount of work as well. Good Luck!!