Fixing up my fiberglass boat with carpet

[lbstix]

I just bought an old fiberglass boat that had old carpet in it and I wanted to replace it because it is coming up. I just wanted to know what some guys who have been there before think I should do. I spilt some oil on the floor when I was fixing the engine and I was wondering if that would affect the adhesive for the carpet. I figure I should go ahead and put some sort of paint down while I had the carpet up as well. If you have any recommendations as what the best way to go about this project is please let me know. Just wondering what the best paint and carpet adhesive is and such. I really don't want to spend to much money if possible because it is just a little fishing boat but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Fixing up my fiberglass boat with carpet

This just me, but I hate carpet. All it does is hold moisture and can induce rot. I eliminated carpet when I rebuilt my boat, and went with a rubberized textured surface treatment. It is a bit spendy, about $40 for a gallon of Evercoat No-Skid, but that should be all you would need, its all I needed for a 16.5 foot tri-hull. It not only provides a non-skid surface even when wet, but it also seals the floor if properly applied. You would need to sand with 60 grit the entire floor, and wipe down with acetone. You then apply with a brush or roller. The brush works well, and you can lay it in a pattern. Since your rig is a fishin' rig, you wouldn't have to worry about fish stink setting up in the carpet either. Good luck....

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Fixing up my fiberglass boat with carpet

I agree with Jason. Junk the carpet. I used a water based non-skid paint from West marine. It seems to be holding up very well and is easy to touch up if needed.<br /><br />Buttanic

 

[MrBill]

Re: Fixing up my fiberglass boat with carpet

Well...I like carpet in side my boat. You can replace yours with outdoor quality material designed to withstand wetness and UV rays. Use the old pieces as templates. If the old stuf was glued doen you can adhere the new stuff down too. Or you can keep it down with velcro or stainless snaps, etc....depending on how sophisticated you want to get.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Fixing up my fiberglass boat with carpet

Just came back from Home Depot and happened to remember your post... checked out the carpet dept and they have a marine carpet in two colors black and grey, called Fish n' Ski. Manuafacturer claims good for boats and marine use for leisure craft---$2.99 per yard very tough to beat if your looking for low cost options.

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: Fixing up my fiberglass boat with carpet

There's a good reason [most] new boats don't come with carpet...<br /><br />I speak from experience when I say it's just a pain in the @ss. Hard to clean [fish blood-sand-ect], holds moisture and the needs to be repaired [comes up] & or be replaced often $$$.<br /><br />Hey...just my 2 cents.

 

[lbstix]

Re: Fixing up my fiberglass boat with carpet

Thanks for the help guys. I think I am going to ditch the carpet. Sounds like more trouble than it is worth. Much appreciated.