Why Indoor Carpet On A Boat Is A Good Idea

Carpeting your boat is a popular option for those on a budget, with indoor/outdoor carpet being a common choice. It comes in a wide variety of styles and textures and offers several advantages, such as sound dampening, traction, and a soft feel. However, there are also significant disadvantages to using indoor carpet in a boat. Indoor carpet is more prone to absorbing water, sand, dirt, and stains, which can lead to mould and rotting issues. Additionally, metal rivets can get hot and burn your feet, and the carpet may be challenging to clean and maintain.

Pros of indoor carpet on a boat

There are several pros to using indoor carpet on a boat. Here are some key advantages:

Safety

One of the main benefits of indoor carpet on a boat is safety. Carpeting provides a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of bumps, bruises, and other injuries, even if the boat floor gets wet. This is especially important if you have children or elderly individuals on board. The soft, cushioned feel of carpet also provides a safer, more forgiving surface in the event of a fall.

Comfort

Indoor carpet can also enhance the comfort of your boat. It offers a soft step and often dampens sounds, creating a quieter and more relaxing environment. The carpet's texture can make it more comfortable to walk on, especially for those who enjoy going barefoot.

Aesthetics

Carpeting can greatly improve the look of your boat, adding a touch of luxury and style. It comes in various designs, sizes, and colours, allowing you to personalise your boat to your taste.

Cost-effective

Indoor carpet is generally a more affordable option compared to other boat flooring choices. It is a cost-effective way to enhance the appearance and comfort of your boat without breaking the bank.

Easy Installation

Some indoor carpets designed for boats offer flexible installation methods, such as snap-in carpets that are easy to replace. This can be particularly useful if you want to change the look of your boat or update worn-out carpeting.

Cons of indoor carpet on a boat

There are several disadvantages to using indoor carpet on a boat. Firstly, indoor carpets are not designed to withstand the same conditions as outdoor carpets and may absorb water, leading to issues with mould and rotting plywood beneath. This creates a dangerous atmosphere as the decking materials begin to weaken and lack support. In addition, carpets can be a breeding ground for mildew and are high maintenance, requiring frequent cleaning to keep them looking decent.

Carpets also absorb everything that comes onboard, including sand, dirt, fish guts, and stains from food. They can be difficult to clean and may require special tools and products. Another issue is that hooks can get snagged in the carpet, and moist carpet can lead to mould.

Some carpet styles use metal rivets or snaps as a fastening system. These can get hot and burn your foot when stepped on, which is unsafe, especially for children.

Overall, while indoor carpet can provide a soft and comfortable feel to a boat, it requires a significant amount of maintenance and can lead to safety issues if not properly cared for.

Installation tips for indoor carpet on a boat

Installing indoor carpet on a boat is a simple process that requires the right tools, supplies, and instructions. Before beginning, it is important to note that the carpet and glue need to be stored and handled at optimal temperatures to work properly. Do not allow them to freeze, and ensure they are at least at room temperature before you start. Additionally, the glue needs several days of warm, dry weather or a heated shop to cure properly. Cold weather can inhibit or prevent bonding, and exposure to rain will double the drying time or prevent bonding altogether.

Step 1: Remove Old Carpet

Remove the old carpet and clean off any remaining glue residue using a scraper, mineral spirits, and sandpaper. Clean and dry all areas to be carpeted. This is also a good opportunity to inspect the deck and areas below for water damage or hidden structural issues.

Step 2: Measure and Cut Carpet

Before measuring and cutting your new carpet, lay it out in the sun for several hours on a dry day between 65°F and 90°F (18.3°C and 32.2°C). This will soften the backing, making it more pliable and easier to handle, position, and cut. Use oversized measurements to rough-cut the carpet to approximate size, then lay it in place on the boat, using weights or clamps to prevent shifting. Custom-cut the carpet for an exact fit using a very sharp utility knife or carpet knife.

Step 3: Apply Adhesive

Apply carpet glue to the back of the carpet with a trowel using circular motions, moving from front to back. Ensure you apply an even coat, being careful not to leave any dry areas or allow the glue to puddle. Allow the glue to become tacky before placing the carpet onto the boat floor. Once the glue has made contact with the floor, it will not come up again, so be sure to lay the carpet straight and wrinkle-free.

Step 4: Secure Carpet

Use a roller or stiff broom to remove any air bubbles and ensure good contact between the carpet and the glue. Without this step, bubbles or lines may develop, or areas of the carpet may come up over time.

Step 5: Check the Bond

After installing your marine carpet, use a heavy object like a carpet roller or the back of a shop broom to apply pressure to the new carpet. Slide the object with some force from the center of the project to the edge. After a minute, check a corner to see if the glue is attached to both the deck and the carpet and is up between the rows of knots on the carpet. If not, allow a few more minutes for the glue to become tackier, then roll again.

Step 6: Allow Time for Curing

The carpet will start to cure between three to four hours after installation but should be left to dry fully (24 hours) before vacuuming, reinstalling rails and seats, or subjecting it to foot traffic. Wait 48 hours before using the boat in the water.

Alternative flooring options for boats

There are a variety of alternative flooring options for boats, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Marine Carpet

Marine-grade carpet is a popular option for boat flooring due to its slip-resistant and soft texture. It offers good traction, even when wet, and helps to dampen sounds. However, it can absorb dirt, sand, stains, and water, leading to issues with mould and rotting. It also requires regular maintenance to prevent mildew.

EVA Foam Boat Flooring

EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam boat flooring is a comfortable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional boat flooring. It is UV-resistant, oil-resistant, non-absorbent, and anti-slip. EVA foam boat flooring is easy to install and customise, and it comes in a variety of colours and finishes, including faux teak. It is also easy to clean and can withstand drink spills, general dirt, footprints, sunscreen, and even fish blood.

Marine Plywood

Marine plywood is a common choice for boat flooring, especially for those on a budget. It is important to seal marine plywood properly to prevent water damage and rotting. This can be done by coating it with fibreglass resin or several layers of spar varnish. Some people also choose to cover the plywood with carpet or a textured finish. While marine plywood is a durable option, it can be expensive, and the price can vary depending on the thickness and quality.

Other Alternatives

Other alternative flooring options for boats include:

• Aluminium sheets or old road signs
• PVC sheets
• Composite marine boards
• Concrete
• Starboard (a type of marine-grade building material)
• Cow mat
• Bed liner tubs with industrial carpet
• Flex seal
• Coosa board
• Pressure-treated plywood (not recommended for use with aluminium boats due to chemical reactions)

Maintenance of indoor boat carpet

Maintaining an indoor boat carpet is crucial to ensure its longevity and to keep your boat interior looking and smelling pleasant. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for and maintain your indoor boat carpet:

Regular Cleaning:

• Vacuum your boat carpet regularly to remove loose particles and dirt. This will prevent them from becoming embedded in the carpet fibres and causing stains over time.
• Treat stains and spills as soon as possible. Blot liquid spills with a dry cloth or paper towel, and use a vacuum for dry stains.
• For mild stains, use a natural solution of vinegar and water. Spray the mixture onto the stain, scrub with a brush, and then rinse and blot the area dry.
• For more stubborn stains, use a spot removal solution specifically designed for boat carpets, such as BoatLIFE Carpet Spot Remover.
• Alternatively, use a multi-purpose cleaning solution like Marine Spray Nine, which can be used on various surfaces and helps eliminate stains, bacterial odours, and prevent mould and mildew.
• For mould and mildew stains, use a specific mould and mildew stain remover like Mildew Stain Away.
• Baking soda is another effective and gentle cleaning option. Mist the carpet with cold water, sprinkle baking soda generously, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming.

Deep Cleaning:

• After removing stains, apply a carpet cleaning solution like Marine Spray Nine and scrub the carpet with a stiff-bristle brush. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning solution bottle.
• Rinse the cleaning solution out of the carpet thoroughly. The easiest way to do this is by parking your boat trailer on an incline so that the water drains out. If this is not possible, use a wet vacuum to suction the water out.
• Ensure the carpet dries completely as soon as possible to prevent mould growth. You can use fans or the boat's air conditioning system to speed up the drying process. Avoid walking on or covering the carpet until it is completely dry.

Other Maintenance Tips:

• When choosing a boat carpet, opt for marine-grade carpeting designed specifically for boats. Indoor residential carpets are not suitable for boat use.
• Consider the advantages and disadvantages of carpeting your boat. While carpet offers a soft feel, traction, and sound dampening, it can also absorb water, leading to mould and rotting issues.
• If you decide to install a boat carpet, ensure you use the correct type of glue. For example, indoor/outdoor adhesive is suitable for pontoon boats with marine plywood flooring, while professional-grade adhesive is better for aluminium fishing boats and fibreglass flooring.
• Store and handle glue at optimal temperatures, and ensure it is at room temperature before use. Allow several days of warm, dry weather for the glue to cure properly.
• Work in sections when applying glue and give it a few minutes to get tacky before rolling the carpet onto that section.
• Apply pressure to force the glue between the rows of knots on the backside of the carpet using a carpet roller or a wrapped 2x6.
• Check that the glue has bonded properly by sliding a heavy object with force from the centre of the carpet to the edge.

Frequently asked questions