Carpet replacement options

[Jcris]

My 1996 I/O needs the carpet replaced and I've been looking at other options. At first I thought to just replace with a decent quality marine carpet and be done with it. Before I go down that road I'm curious what other types of floor/deck covering materials you folks may have used?

 

[SDSeville]

You may not want to go this cheap , but I used Home Depot outdoor carpet on my Sea Ray and it still looked great 5 years later when I sold it. Used the boat for water sports and fishing.

 

[Jcris]

Well it's a good thought. I probably will opt for something else but thanks for the reply

 

[wrvond]

I guess it kind of depends on what kind of boat, and how it's used. If it's a bow rider with lots of kids running around, glued down marine carpet might be best. I'd think snap in carpet could present a tripping hazard to small running feet.
Or if it's mostly adults or more sedate use, a snap in carpet might be in order. Corinthian Marine makes a really nice woven snap in carpet called AquaWeave. They also have a snap-less system (Velcro) for their Aqua mat items.
Another idea is synthetic teak adhesive mat. Though I hear it is sensitive to chemicals.

 

[Jcris]

I have seen the synthetic teak and it looks great. This boat is mostly for fishing and occasionally just cruising.

 

[southkogs]

I miss my vinyl floor on my old bow rider ... if/when the Bayliner needs new carpet, I may opt to go with something like Sea Deck or similar type.

 

[gm280]

My 0.02 cents worth.

If this is the first time you are replacing the carpet, seems like it held up very well being a 1996 boat. I would buy some quality replacement marine carpet and install it back in again. It offers a nice quite flooring and is equally comfortable on the bare feet. But that is just my opinion. :noidea:

 

[jkust]

My thinking if it were me is that it's a 21 year old boat for which the carpet has lasted this long. I'd replace it with marine carpet and call it a day while simultaneously shopping for something with a fiberglass floor and upgrading.

 

[Jcris]

Well gentlemen I believe carpet is a good choice. I'll be shopping for some soon
Thanks

 

[ahicks]

Recent vinyl convert here. Some of the newer stuff is especially good looking, and doesn't hold sand or stain easily like carpet. Worth checking out in my estimation.

 

[Jcris]

ahichs,
I can appreciate the vinyl alternative. Honestly I'm still tempted but I've been doing so much work on my boat lately I really need to just get er on the water and enjoy. To that end I've begun looking at just bringing things back to an acceptable level. Yesterday I realized that some of the floor may need replacing. It's a 20 year old boat so not entirely unexpected. Out of curiosity, was your boat carpeted previously? On a plywood floor/deck? If so how did the conversion go? A pic or two would be nice. Again, thanks

 

[Jcris]

Is there a way to determine what weight carpeting I have? I mean it's a 20 year old rig so I'm guessing 16 oz. I will probably opt for the 16 oz to avoid issues with how some of the panels fit together. Now that I think about it the only areas that will apply are the bow panels. I could just cut some new floor/deck pieces and size them a touch smaller to accommodate the 20 oz carpet. Hmmm , more work. Will I ever get er back in the water, haha.

 

[gm280]

I would think that 20oz marine carpet would work without any issues. I used the same weigh on my trailer bunks and it was easy to work with and looks pretty good too. I plan to use the exact same weight and color on my hull in the next month or so as well. JMHO

 

[dizzy1]

I just redid my carpet back in February. 2007 Reinell but was bank repo so sat uncovered in AZ sun for a full year. Factory carpet is normally 16oz. I went to 20oz and had not issues with fitment or hatch doors after. The carpet is very soft compared to the factory carpet and way more plush. Its really made the boat look high end and new. Warning, its a lot of work to pull up the old carpet, scrape the old carpet/adhesive. Putting it in wasn't bad, just right glue and lots of fresh sharp blades for your carpet knife. After doing it I'm glad I didn't wait any longer.