Removal of Snap Down Cockpit Carpet

[ccave04]

Hello All,

First full season as a boat owner, have just got the boat all prepped and shinny clean for it's first full season with me. After going through and scrubbing the whole inside of the boat everything looks fabulous minus the snap down cockpit carpet. The carpet is warped (does not meet up with all the old snap locations) and sun faded from the years of use I suppose, so I am thinking about removing it. Underneath is all nice white fiberglass which once cleaned thoroughly and scrubbed I think looks much better than the carpet does.

My questions:
1.)Is there any reason I should keep this and not remove it other than comfort on the feet?
2.)If I do remove it should I remove all the old snap down screws so people don't step on them? And if yes, what should I put in the holes as replacement?

Thanks a bunch,
Chris

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Removal of Snap Down Cockpit Carpet

You may want to retain the snap-in carpet if you have activities that tend to bring sand into the boat. It proects the fiberglass from scratches, etc.

You might be able to salvage the existing carpet by adjusting the location of some of the snaps, etc.

If you go without, and remove that snap fittings from the deck, you could seal the holes with white silicone adhesive caulking.

That way, if you decide to get a new carpet, the snap fittings can be easily re-installed.

 

[jkust]

Re: Removal of Snap Down Cockpit Carpet

I have to say these are two questions I don't think anybody has ever asked in my experience. Lot's of people with snap out carpet never use it and keep it out always. As for comfort, plop down a nice mat at the helm for when you are standing at the wheel. The snaps have never been an issue for us. Snap out carpet on an early 2000's, small boat is a huge plus since few manufacturers were putting it in their small boats. If you really like the carpet, a custom shop can remake it for you.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Removal of Snap Down Cockpit Carpet

In my opinion carpet in a boat is a liability, at least how and where I boat. Alot of people and new manufacturers are going with mats these days such as a Seadek product. If you like the carpet and may want to stay with it, keep the snaps, just purchase new carpet.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Removal of Snap Down Cockpit Carpet

I've got some really nice carpet for mine...rolled up and stored in my shed...where it will stay.

 

[ccave04]

Re: Removal of Snap Down Cockpit Carpet

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't really like the carpet and actually it's really not that comfortable. I was more worried about pulling it out and someone stepping on the snaps and complaining (for example- my girlfriend and her friends nagging, but every boat needs bikinis).

I think I will just pull it out and see if anyone gives me grief about stepping on the snaps and go from there

 

[ccave04]

Re: Removal of Snap Down Cockpit Carpet

I have to say these are two questions I don't think anybody has ever asked in my experience.

Lol :facepalm: