Carpet Problems

[straw hat]

I need a little advice on boat carpets. My original boat carpet lasted only 6 years, a commercial replacement carpet I had installed lasted 6 years and when that wore out I put in my own carpet and it lasted 4 years. I keep the boat covered when not in use but that doesn't seem to help. The carpet doesn't wear out (I only get to use the boat about 10 times per year) but just turns to powder! I don't remember that ever happening to my old bass boat. This is getting expensive and to install your own is a lot of work. I was thinking about using that special epoxy paint that some people use on garage floors. The paint contains sand so it is slip resistant and it comes in several colors. The problem with that is that the floor would not be as sound proof. I would sure appreciate any advice you guys can give.

[Dutch]

My advice is to call Kelly Power at Championship Marine in Spokane Mo and ask him or Tom.

[straw hat]

My advice is to call Kelly Power at Championship Marine in Spokane Mo and ask him or Tom.

Thanks Dutch, will do.

[Trav]

My boat is 20 years old and it has the original carpet. The previous owner kept it in a garage and I do the same. Have family who have boats older than mine with original carpet as well. Everyone keeps them stored even if in a pole barn or carport. My dad had a pontoon he kept in the water at the dock for 15 years. Something about having a roof helps a lot.

Might want to consider a building for it???

[Gilly]

Trav hits on a good point. The sun (ultraviolet) can destroy carpet as well paint/gelcoat. The quality of the carpet is important too. My buddy thought he'd get by cheap and used an indoor carpet, lasted two seasons and it started to degrade.

[straw hat]

You guys bring up a good point. I don't have a place to keep the boat under cover. The first carpet I had installed was a good brand (costly too) and was UV resistant. The last one was a cheap one and was not UV resistant. I think you guys hit on the cause. I was curious how long everyone elses carpet lasted. I really appreciate the info. They want $2,500 to recarpet the boat and at its age it is just not worth it. Looks like I am going to have to be creative and find a cheap alternative.

[Gilly]

Have you thought about vinyl?

I don't know how the epoxy paint would work. I would imagine surface prep would be critical.

[straw hat]

Have you thought about vinyl?

I don't know how the epoxy paint would work. I would imagine surface prep would be critical.

I really hadn't given any thought to vinyl because I thought it would be too slick when wet. I have worked with the special epoxy paints before but only on top of concrete. They come with special gravel mixed in so that the final surface has good traction. I need to contact the manufacturer though and find out how it would stick to marine plywood and if it is UV resistant. Afterward I will make another posting and pass along the information to everyone.

[Walleyedmike]

You might look into the spray on bed liners such as "Rhino Liner" that is used on pick up truck beds. I know of guys that have used that in aluminum boats, don't know how well it would work on the marine grade plywood.

WM

[straw hat]

You might look into the spray on bed liners such as "Rhino Liner" that is used on pick up truck beds. I know of guys that have used that in aluminum boats, don't know how well it would work on the marine grade plywood.

WM

That sounds like an excellant idea! I sure will check it out and let you know what I find out. Thanks