Boat carpet or bedliner?

[CrappiePappy]

I probably should have mentioned its a fiberglass bass boat. The only aluminum in it is the lids. Also I'm in this boat reeeeal cheap. I did some trading around and basically I've got $500 total invested in it which is another reason I'm hesitant to spend 500-800 to get carpet installed

I think I'd take it to a local DIY car wash & use the spray wand on it first. Pictures indicate that it's got algae growth in the floor carpet, but seems to be in good shape on the decks/rod locker.

If it were mine, I'd remove everything from the storage compartments/bilge ... then take a pressure washer or car wash wand to it (all seats included). You'd be surprised at what some hot, soapy water and a good rinse job will do. Give the livewell(s) and bilge area a good going over, as well. Leave all the seats in an upright position & all the lids open, and let it dry out over a couple of good warm/sunny days ... before replacing your gear into the compartments.
You might also want to tape over the ends of any electronic plugs/receptacles, to keep them dry during the washing process.

... cp

[Crappie chasin fool]

Those pics are from when I first brought it home over a year ago. I've got a 3000psi pressure washer and gave it a good going over after those pics were taken. Initially I thought the carpet was salvageable but after a year of hard fishing it's apparent that it is not. The carpet has got to the point where if your standing on the deck and spin around it just rolls the carpet off under your feet. Also the wood in the bottom of the boat (the only wood in the entire boat) around the console is a little soft and flexes when you walk across it. I figured this would be the time to replace that also. If I could get carpet installed more reasonably then I might go that route but an $800 carpet job just isn't in the cards right now. That $250 bedliner job however is doable

[BuckeyeKdog]

There is a Rubber product used for running tracks, sports equipment, etc that works very well and sticks forever. It is heavy ~1# per sf at 1/4" thickness or 1/2# per sf at 1/8" thickness. It sticks to wood, metal and plastic equally. Available in colors and various grades. If I wanted something to look good and last a long time, I would try it if I was afraid to go the carpet route.

http://www.americanrecycling.com/pro...y-application/

Given that I have a use for the product, I would be tempted to try it. The binder comes in 5 gallon pails and will treat a little over 200#of rubber granules which would be 400 sf at the thinner application rate. Basically, you mix the granules with the binder and trowel it on. Lube your tools with kerosene or diesel fuel and work it to a nice smooth finish

[Crappie chasin fool]

you will love the durabak product I have it in my boat and its not slick wet or with frost on it !!! and you can walk barefooted in the summer on it too !!! I did mine 3 years ago and love it !!!!

What kind of boat do you have? Post up some pics!!

[jeepguyjames]

Good thread. ...... My bass boat needs new carpet........ Thought about alternitaves to carpet..... Vinyl, bed liner etc etc...... No matter what direction i go itll be a learning experience

[Countryboy N.C.]

you will love the durabak product I have it in my boat and its not slick wet or with frost on it !!! and you can walk barefooted in the summer on it too !!! I did mine 3 years ago and love it !!!!

If you can, post some pictures of your boat after you put this on, I been studying on putting something on my boat, the carpet is getting in bad shape.

[wannabe fisherman]

"Also the wood in the bottom of the boat (the only wood in the entire boat) around the console is a little soft and flexes when you walk across it. quote CCF"

If you have soft spots in the floor ANYPLACE get that fixed first or what ever you do to the floor will have to be done over. Don't need double expense JMO.

[clfarms1]

Rees guide did his boat last year himself I think and it looks great, talk to him recarpted that is

[jimmyfreeland]

If there are no major rips or tears you might just take it to the car wash. Pre soak the carpet down good and let sit a few minutes and wash then rinse the carpet good. I did this to my boat last fall and it made a big difference. But like he said. Looks like too good of a boat not to re-carpet if you want. But I'd use it like it is before I'd spray lining on it. You'd have a new looking boat it looks like with new carpet. Afraid you'd have a mess if you tried the bedliners and ruin your boat.

[jimmyfreeland]

I'd make sure the motor is good before you get too deep into the boat. At that price is sounds too good to be true. But if it's good I'd still go with the carpet. The boat will easily be worth putting carpet into it looks like from the pictures., and if you go to resale I think most people would shy away from a boat with a liner like product on it.... Just my opinion.