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My boat carpeting is starting to look a little dated as it's now 7 years old. I would like to replace it myself. Some questions: What is the recommended pile, backer, UV rating, adhesive, and any tips or tricks?

I thought I would remove the existing carpet and use it as a template for cutting the new. It looks like the lids of storage compartments will be the trickiest.

Any input would be great

Bassin Butch

Just go to Lowes or Home Depot and look at the indoor/outdoor carpet. They have a pretty good selection and can help you with glue and the whole process of putting in down. Thats what I plan on doing after this season. In the front of the boat were I stand All the time is pretty thin.

mofish's suggestion is a good one. You can also order carpet from Bass Pro Shop, it's Marine grade poly cut loop with backing.

Or, most marine dealers can order carpet from their jobber.

Three critical points as to what you install.

Get cut loop (or pile, depends on what the Mnf calls it) Hooks will come out much more easily if snagged and it's a lot easier to keep clean.

Make sure it is at least Highly UV resistant. Or you'll be replacing it a a couple of years.

Last, all marine carpet is backed with a rubber-like coating. There are a number of reasons for this, the one that concerns you is adhesion effectiveness.

There are a number of consumer available adhesives, most are water-based, and non-flammable.


At our plant we use a special adhesive similar to Formica glue. It is a contact adhesive, we cut the carpet close to fit if we don't have a pattern then spray the stuff and deck on with a pressurized pot-fed gun. Once the pad is placed it is rolled or hand pressed tightly into place then trimmed with a sharp! box-knife.

It's very effective, both in durability and tack. But it gives off some pretty potent fumes, and is extremly flammble.

Recarpeting a boat is both simple, and tricky. But anyone with moderate mechanical skills can do it. One suggesttion, buy a bulk pack of box-knife blades for trimming and a couple of rolls of 3" masking tape. You'll need them.

Richard.

A huge thanks for all of the replys! Based on your advice I ordered new carpet from www.boatcarpetbuys.com. They were very helpful, and I was prepared with the right questions.

Thanks much
Bassin Butch

I'm late on this post but Bass Pro Shop is the place to buy boat carpet. Marine carpet is OPEN LOOP and designed to not hold hooks!

Also, when the old carpet is off, use an 80 grit paper on an orbital or palm sander to smooth out the old glue. I have tried the new ECO water based contact cement, and my carpet came off the first time it rained! Use the real McCoy. Old-fashion stinky, yes and flamable contact cement.
Always cut tree or four inches BIGGER than the old and take your time.

I am not a professional marine carpet installer but I have done 4 boats and will soon be re-doing my river jet-boat.