Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

[CaliCash]

I have to have the carpet replace in my 1989 Hurricane SD 176 this season. I was wondering how hard it would be to do it myself. I have no idea what it would cost to have it re carpeted professionally.

The one thing I know I have to do is replace the back bench seat that is right along the engine compartment, because of old wood. But is it difficult to do the entire thing myself or should I just take it to someone who knows how to do it properly?

Thanks in advance fellas!

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

Hard to say with not knowing your abilities. If you are handy as in, like to build things, do your own plumbing, carpentry, tile, carpet, etc., I would say tackle it. If you sit behind an desk and the biggest thing you've pushed is a pencil, then you might want a pro. I have a couple of concerns... First your vessel is an '89...22 years old and then you said, "replace the back bench seat that is right along the engine compartment, because of old wood." My guess is there is more "bad" wood than you might realize.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

I tend to agree with IDHN. When I read your post my first thought was once you get the carpet up you might find a LOT of issue under it. I'm not saying you will BUT... your statement about OLD wood concerns me. A lot of others on here have started with "One soft spot in the floor" and ended up tearing up and replacing the entire deck, stringers and transom. I would suggest you do a VERY THOROUGH inspection of your deck in ALL areas to ensure that it is solid and sound and that indeed there ar NO areas of rot, wetness, or softness. If this is the case AND you ARE skilled with wood etc... and have the time and willingness to put forth the effort then... Yeah I say go for it. If not then open your wallet and let the Pro's do it.

I'm just sayin...

 

[oops!]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

well cali.....im a pro....bring it to me and ill rape ya !

5-700 bux...u supply the carpet and its less.

any body can do a boat carpet with minimal skills and some elbow grease.

the problem (as alluded to above) is that when you rip out the old rug.......you find a whole not that you didnt want to see.

but back to the broadloom.....

the toughest part is ripping the old stuff out !.
i would say forget about keeping the old as a template..most of it will be rotten and you will rip it apart trying to get it out.

then you have to get the old glue off....!!!%$@#&^%$#& !!!
laying the new stuff is a snap....you will learn how to cut it after a few 90 deg corners.....
even an amature can do an ok job at this.
one full day on the ripout for an amature.
4 hours for the install on the new.
use a good indoor out door glue avalable from any big bot hardware store......keep lots of mineral spirits handy to remove glue spatters

cheers
oops

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

Of the many things I have learned...
The job is always bigger and more expensive than you thought it was going to be.
This boat redo stuff is not for the faint of heart.
It's sticky, itchy, and you cuss...alot.
It's elating and disappointing.
Never fear.
I sweat...a lot.
I am tired of doing this and wish I were finished.
It's fun.
I learn something new all the time.
Regardless of what I run into, regardless of the problem, someone here has been there and done it.
There are boats here that are uglier than mine.
This is the most helpful forum I have ever seen and people give freely of their time and knowledge.

So with that... get your tools out and get busy. You'll figure it out.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

If you do not mind getting dirty and a little hard work replacing the carpet is not very dificult. I suggest removing old carpet and inspecting for any deck damage. There are many tricks for cleaning off glue like using an angle grinder with a wire cup brush. If you have any rotten wood you will have to cut until you find good wood. Then you will have to repair the deck. Remember if you get overwhelmed then you can go to a repair shop and have someone else finish the job. after the deck is complete you can glue new carpet down. As a marine upholstry shop owner. I have replaced interiors many times and yes it is ok to call a local shop to see about droping off seats for repairs and installing them yourself. If the vynil is good, trace the old wood and copy it. Remember to use stainless staples or you will have a mess. Hope this advice helps. There are many good people here to answer questions good luck.

 

[Tim Wagner]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

I recarpeted 2 boats and I dont have carpet laying skills. (still dont either)
It not hard but its what everyone will see so you want it to look good.
Its a bit difficult getting it to look good in the intricate spaces.
Im gonna do my Spectrum (again) once I get it put back together but this time, Im not tackling it alone.
Im going to get one of my buddies that has carpet laying experience to help me. I want it to look good.
I was never happy with either job I did on my own. It looked OK but it was a hack job and it didnt last.
Someone to help with experience will be HUGE if you want it to look good and last.
Oh, and as the other fella stated about having the mineral spirits handy. I totally agree.
You'll have carpet glue in places you dont want and places you didnt think it could get. Peeling it off body parts hurts cause hair will come with it.
I guess Im saying that no matter how hard you try, that damn glue is going to show up some place its not wanted.
Watch the fumes too.

 

[fshngho]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

The simple answer is if you have basic mechanical skills you can do this.
I am a very experienced carpet/vinyl mechanic along with a few other trade skills. I always say anyone can do my job. I have re-carpeted many bass/cruiser/pontoon boats and they are all not that bad. As it was said the worse part is stripping out the old. If you make a mis-cut then you simply patch it, no harm no foul. Go for it Bro, if you have a problem then we will be here. You can save a bunch of bucks by keeping people like me away.:facepalm:

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

I agree with laying it down yourself.

Cut outside corners first...All of them ... then your inside corners are a cakewalk hehe..

And YES on the RESPORATOR.

YD.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

Sorta like this..

YD.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

I find the center of the boat and start there. You will most likely have seems on the edges for seats anyway. Glue the center down working outward. Glue tight to where you need to cut. Make cut and keep proceeding out. Try to make seams under seats and in low traffic areas. Not a bad job at all and very self for-filling when you are done.

 

[djpeters]

Re: Re-carpet my boat myself or take it to a pro? That is the question.

The simple answer is if you have basic mechanical skills you can do this.
I am a very experienced carpet/vinyl mechanic along with a few other trade skills. I always say anyone can do my job. I have re-carpeted many bass/cruiser/pontoon boats and they are all not that bad. As it was said the worse part is stripping out the old. If you make a mis-cut then you simply patch it, no harm no foul. Go for it Bro, if you have a problem then we will be here. You can save a bunch of bucks by keeping people like me away.:facepalm:

Fish, can you recommend a good quality carpet for a boat? I'm looking for a light to mediun grey.....