Side panel padding?

[F14CRAZY]

I've decided to remake the side panels in my Capri after going to the Lansing boat show and seeing that the Discovery 192 has side panels that extend all the way down to the deck from the gunwhale instead of like, a foot down or so. So today I got cutting on a sheet of masonite or whatever you wanna call it to fit it nicely. Going to add padding and vinyl (as my mom did with my one original side panel and the other one I remade since it was rotten last winter). Will added a few nice pockets too for storage...one sized right by the front port seat for charts would be awesome.

Anyway, last time my mom used some fiberous padding, maybe 1/2'', which turned out to be an issue when running screws into it...screw would grab all the padding and pull it to it .

Can I just use some padding used when installing carpet? It's definitely cheap. Any other low cost padding ideas?

 

[redfury]

Re: Side panel padding?

Carpet pad is going to have the ability to absorb water, so I'd think twice about using it if it's going to go to the deck of the boat. Thrill used Walmart Sleeping pads for his interior and it seemed to work out well. It's closed cell foam and lighter weight than carpet pad is going to be.

I think carpet pad would do the trick, it's just simply a matter of whether you want to risk it absorbing water, that's all.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Side panel padding?

Any other low cost padding ideas?

Ayuh,... Start Dumpster Divin' for that closed cell packing foam,.. The stuff that comes as sheets...

I did all my side panels,+ motorbox with it... It's about 1/8" to 3/16" thick, usually,...
I used several layers, tacked with staples to hold the shape I wanted...

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Side panel padding?

I was also thinking that carpet padding could absorb water. It would be covered with the vinyl obviously. I could seal the plywood that it's attached to, and I keep my boat inside and use a bimini/camper when in use but hey, the panel's on a boat...its quite likely that it's gonna get wet

I'll think it over. Cheap bed padding's a good idea

Bondo: I posted on my facebook asking my friends if they work somewhere that throws that foam sheeting out

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: Side panel padding?

Like red said check out my thread. < Im a rapper

Walmart sleeping bag pads, closed cell blue foam, 100% waterproof, 5.88 for a 5' or 6'x2' roll. Cheapest you will find. Just spray adhesive it on and then put your vinyl over it. Take it from me tho, use a VERY sharp knife to cut it. Once you stretch the vinyl over it you will be able to see if your foam is cut uneven.