This winter (which is almost over better get to working) I am going to put new carpet on my boat. I just wanted to know what kind of carpet, where to get it, the cement to put it down, etc.?

Here is who I'm going to order from this week.

http://www.bassboatseats.com/Bass-Boat-Carpet-Vinyl--C31.aspx

I have no affiliation.

Having recent experience with carpet and carpet disasters..........i can tell you this.  It MUST have a backer on it.  If not, the adhesive can ooze through the carpet if even slightly over applied.  It also MUST be a marine grade carpet with a backer.  I used indoor outdoor carpet because it was super cheap and it did not have a backer.  I used indoor outdoor carpet adhesive because it was also super cheap.  I read some reviews online where people had used it on their boat with great success so being a on a super tight budget, I pulled the trigger.  I also used a carpet adhesive trowel with nothes so I did not over apply the adhesive.  I troweld it on carefully and laid it down like I was about to tile a floor.  Not having the backer allowed the adhesive to work it's way through (super thin carpet didn't help).

 

The carpet got wet after about 5 days old and due to winter, the water froze.  The indoor outdoor adhesive went from dry to wet (still does to this day over 2mo later!) and it's not a water proof glue. I was standing on the wet carpet and left foot prints with the glue. 

 

Now, I'm going to have to replace the entire bit and do it all over again.  Lesson learned.  I spent $50 carpet, $25 adhesive resulted into a total practice run for when I do it with real marine carpet.

 

Old saying goes........you get what you pay for.

 

 

As for where to buy?  There are tons of places.  If you don't have a hard color to find, it makes shopping way easier.  You can expect to spend up to $100 quick on carpet.  At least $30-50 on adhesive and possibly more.  And this is on the cheap side mind you....

You need to use a 1/16" notched trowel and you shouldn't have those problems

I got my carpet from bassboatseats.com

It was a 1/16" trowel. The carpet I had was terrible. And thin.

Gonna drag my boat into the garage on Wednesday and start the de-carpeting process.

Maybe start the re-carpeting process by the weekend or the following week.

Waiting for 60+ degree weather to put down the adhesive.

I would wait for warmer weather unless you plan on keeping it in garage till spring. Glue needs warmer weather to cure. I wouldn't chance it.

I would wait for warmer weather unless you plan on keeping it in garage till spring. Glue needs warmer weather to cure. I wouldn't chance it.

Yepper........I'm gonna leave inside a good while. Tryin' to force a weather enhancement with positive thoughts and actions!

And heaters?

And heaters?

Yes sir I have one...........takes the edge off the cold when it's 32 or so.......lately not so much

Just a word of caution.  When replacing carpet, try to use the same pile density as the one you originally had, otherwise, you may run into a problem with getting your deck lids to close.  A thicker carpet pile than the one you originally had may make it very difficult to open and close the lids.

Very true about tight lids. I made a deck extension for my boat. Had the lids cut to anticipate the carpet thickness but was still too tight I'm the end and I had to remove some.

Ok........1st step done. Boat is in the garage!

Measurements confirmed and carpet ordered.

WooHoo! Carpet order shipped today!

The weatherman has graciously forecasted mid 60's for the long weekend!

Keep us updated on this process.  Pic's always help....I may have to be doing this in a year or two.

Keep us updated on this process.  Pic's always help....I may have to be doing this in a year or two.

 

Pics are in my plans..........my problem is I always plan to take pics but once I get started I just work with my head down.......then remember "dang it, I was gonna take pics.'

But with my wife helping me.......I will put her in charge of the pics............pics will get done for sure........and I will probably be yelling "put that dang camera down and hold this" or "if you worked for me I would have fired your already." 

Then make sure we eat out for a while and never let her 'fix' my plate or eat the first bite of anything for a month or so. It will all be ok.

HOOOLLYY COOOWWW!!!!

Whose idea was this?

Carpet stripped....still working.

It gets better. Use a wire wheel on a grinder to remove the old glue. Just be carefull and do not remove the gelcoat. Just the glue. They make a wire brush that's cupped with swirly bristles that works great. Won't eat into gelcoat but takes off glue fast. Be sure to vacuume really good and clean up mess thoroughly with wet wrags to remove first and debris.

Wow. That looks like a messy job. Will be great when it is completed.

Gettin' there slowly but surely.

Had to stop because needed to brace up some stuff while glue was driving.

Back on it in the morning......still a bit of work though........forgot about the rod lockers when I ordered the carpet, but had enough. Wife said I should leave the old carpet in the rod lockers but that is Half-waying it.....couldn't do that.

Here is where it sits tonight.

I've got the entire deck glued down tonight.

Only the hatch lids left to cover. The carpet is already cut for them. I will work on those each night this week.

Had to fanagle some way to hold/press the carpet around the storage/livewells.

Man I love the holding/clamping system, using whatever it takes. A ton of work but looking great! I've got just from the livewells back to finish what the previous owner started and I'm dreading it.

You almost look like you know what you're doing.

Pics are in my plans..........my problem is I always plan to take pics but once I get started I just work with my head down.......then remember "dang it, I was gonna take pics.'

But with my wife helping me.......I will put her in charge of the pics............pics will get done for sure........and I will probably be yelling "put that dang camera down and hold this" or "if you worked for me I would have fired your already." 

Then make sure we eat out for a while and never let her 'fix' my plate or eat the first bite of anything for a month or so. It will all be ok.

I got fired before I took a single pic!

I got fired before I took a single pic!

 

Working for the handicapped is like that.  They get a little over emotional sometimes.  Ask him if he is going to paint that fence when he finishes the carpet.