Lund Boat Carpet: A Comfortable And Practical Choice?

Lund boat carpets are a popular choice for boat owners, with many seeking replacements for their worn-out carpets. The carpets are typically made from marine-grade materials, designed to withstand water and sun exposure. They are often UV-resistant and mould-resistant, making them suitable for the marine environment. Installation can vary in complexity, with some opting for professional help while others choose to install the carpets themselves. While Lund no longer sells carpets, replacements can be purchased from other vendors, with prices ranging from $100 to $900.

Lund boat carpet replacement cost

The cost of replacing the carpet in a Lund boat can vary depending on various factors, including the size of the boat, the extent of the replacement, and whether you choose to hire a professional or do it yourself. Here is a detailed breakdown of the potential costs involved:

DIY Lund Boat Carpet Replacement:

If you choose to replace the carpet in your Lund boat yourself, the cost will primarily consist of the materials required. This includes the cost of new marine-grade carpeting, plywood for the floor (if needed), carpet glue, a staple gun, and a knife. According to a boat owner who replaced the carpet in their 1650 Explorer, the marine carpet cost them around $100, and the new plywood for the floor was about $30. They also mentioned that all they needed besides these materials was good carpet glue, a staple gun, and a good knife.

Hiring a Professional for Lund Boat Carpet Replacement:

The cost of hiring a professional to replace the carpet in your Lund boat can vary depending on your location and the complexity of the job. In 2012, a boat owner in Wisconsin received a quote of $600-700 plus materials for replacing the carpet in their 1675 Lund Explorer. However, other boat owners in the same forum post commented that this price seemed high, suggesting that $200 for labour plus materials would be more reasonable. Another boat owner from Berkeley Springs, WV, commented that $600 for labour is cheap, as it would take at least two days to complete the job, considering all the tailoring required in a Lund boat.

Pre-Cut Lund Boat Carpet Options:

If you want to avoid the hassle of cutting and fitting carpet yourself or hiring a professional, you can also opt for pre-cut Lund boat carpet options available from online stores like Great Lakes Skipper. These pre-cut carpets are designed to fit specific models of Lund boats and can be purchased at a discount. For example, a Lund Boat Snap-In Carpet in Ash Gray (2-piece) is priced at $229.95 (MSRP: $310.93).

In summary, the cost of Lund boat carpet replacement can range from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $600-700, depending on whether you choose to do it yourself, hire a professional, or purchase pre-cut carpet options. It is important to consider the time and expertise required for a satisfactory outcome, especially if you plan to undertake the project yourself.

Pros and cons of boat carpet vs. vinyl flooring

Boat Carpet

Pros:

Boat carpet is an affordable and aesthetically pleasing option for those who enjoy cruising around the lake without engaging in water sports like water skiing, tubing or fishing. Many boaters like the soft feel of carpet underfoot, its good traction, and its sound-buffering qualities. Marine carpet, in particular, is designed to withstand the elements and provide greater durability without breaking the budget.

Cons:

Carpet's main downfall is its absorbency. It absorbs water, spills, sand, pollen, stains, and smells, especially fish. It is challenging to clean, and certain stains, like blood, guts, and coloured drinks, are nearly impossible to remove. It also absorbs water, leading to mould and mildew growth underneath. This can cause the plywood beneath to rot, resulting in creaky floors and soft spots. Additionally, fish hooks can get embedded in the carpet, posing a hazard to bare feet. Carpet is also not UV-resistant, so it will fade and weaken over time. It requires frequent replacement, and keeping the boat covered when not in use is essential to protect it from bird droppings, tree sap, and other outdoor elements.

Vinyl Flooring

Pros:

Vinyl flooring for boats has come a long way and now offers a variety of textures, colours, and designs that imitate real teak, hardwoods, and weaves without the high maintenance and cost. It is resistant to moisture, humidity, mould, mildew, rot, and stains, including fish, chemicals, oils, gas, food, and drinks. Vinyl is easy to clean and maintain; simply hose it down or mop it with soap and water. It is also UV-resistant, preventing cracking, peeling, flaking, puncturing, or fading. Its durability makes it long-lasting and a preferred choice for boat manufacturers, who offer better warranties for vinyl flooring.

Cons:

Vinyl is known for retaining heat and can get hot when exposed to the sun for extended periods. This can cause it to contract and expand if not installed properly. However, the vinyl marine flooring industry is actively working on addressing these issues, and newer products are cooler and have fewer problems with contraction and expansion.

Signs it's time to replace your Lund boat carpet

Lund boat carpets are exposed to the elements and the harsh marine environment. This means that every few years, the boat carpet will need to be replaced, even with regular cleaning and scrubbing. Here are some signs that it's time to replace your Lund boat carpet:

Mildew, Stains and Odors

The boat carpet is a breeding ground for mildew and bacteria if it is not cleaned after every boating trip. Repeated exposure to water, sunlight, and salt residue can also cause the backing to detach or deteriorate. If your Lund boat carpet is developing mildew, stains, or fishy odors, it's time to replace it.

Worn Flooring

The pile of your Lund boat carpet can wear down over time due to repeated exposure to water, sunlight, and salt residue. If the pile is looking flat and dull, or there are visible signs of wear and tear, it's time to invest in a new carpet.

Detached or Deteriorating Backing

In addition to pile wear, the backing of your Lund boat carpet may also start to detach or deteriorate. This is a sign that the carpet is no longer providing a stable and safe surface for walking on. If the backing is coming loose or crumbling, it's definitely time for a replacement.

Difficulty in Cleaning

Boat carpets with a high pile can be challenging to keep clean, as they trap moisture, marine debris, and bacteria. If you find yourself spending a lot of time and effort cleaning your Lund boat carpet, it may be worth considering a replacement with an alternative flooring option that is easier to maintain, such as woven vinyl flooring or a boat carpet alternative like a truck bed liner.

Safety Concerns

A worn-out boat carpet can become a safety hazard, providing an unstable and slippery surface for walking on. If your Lund boat carpet is no longer providing adequate traction and you find yourself or your passengers slipping and sliding, it's time to replace it with a new carpet or a slip-resistant alternative.

How to clean and maintain your Lund boat carpet

Lund boat carpets are durable and water-resistant, withstanding frequent foot traffic, moisture, and spills. However, proper maintenance and cleaning are necessary to preserve their longevity and appearance. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean and maintain your Lund boat carpet:

Inspect and Prepare Your Carpet:

Before cleaning, inspect your boat carpet for any worn-out areas, permanent stains, or loose edges. If the carpet is severely damaged, consider replacing it. For minor issues, trim any frayed edges with scissors or a sharp knife, and use spray contact adhesive to secure loose areas.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies:

You don't need specialised products to clean your Lund boat carpet. A garden hose, a bucket, a soft brush, and gentle dish soap or a mild cleaner like Simple Green are sufficient. Avoid cleaners with bleach or harsh detergents, as they can damage the carpet. A vacuum cleaner, preferably a shop vac, is also essential for removing dirt and water.

Remove All Items and Vacuum:

Remove all items from the boat that you don't want to get wet. Don't forget to empty floor lockers and pull the bilge plug if you're on dry land. Place the plug in a visible spot to avoid losing it. Once done, thoroughly vacuum your boat carpet to remove surface dirt and prevent it from turning into muddy cleaning water.

Treat Stains and Spills:

For any stains or spills, act quickly. Use old white towels to blot up as much of the spill as possible. Then, rinse the area with clean water and continue blotting until the stain and water are absorbed.

Clean the Carpet:

Work in medium-sized sections. Wet the carpet and apply a mild cleaner or dish soap to a large sponge. Blot the dirty areas and gently scrub to remove debris and stains, following the grain of the carpet. Rinse each section thoroughly and repeat until the entire carpet is cleaned.

Rinse and Dry:

After cleaning, give the carpet a final rinse to remove any soap residue. Soap left behind can act as a glue, attracting dirt and dust. Use your shop vac to remove water, or let the carpet air-dry in a warm, sunny area. If desired, gently brush the carpet from back to front with a clean shop broom to fluff the fibres.

Regular Maintenance:

Regular vacuuming helps prevent dirt from becoming ground into the carpet fibres. It also reduces wear and tear on the carpet backing and the bond. Additionally, promptly addressing spills and stains can prevent discolouration and permanent damage.

Tips for Using a Power Washer:

While a power washer can be used for extreme cleaning circumstances, it is risky and should be avoided if possible. If you decide to use one, ensure it is set to an extremely low setting and power. Always use the "FAN" tip, and never use the rotary/oscillating head or pinpoint head, as they can damage the carpet fibres and glue.

Where to buy replacement Lund boat carpet

If you're looking to replace the carpet in your Lund boat, there are a few options available to you. You could opt for a professional service, or you could purchase the materials and replace the carpet yourself.

Professional Services

If you're based in Wisconsin, Northwoods Marine Canvas Inc. in Minong, WI, is an option for professional boat carpet replacement.

DIY

If you'd prefer to replace the carpet yourself, you can purchase replacement boat carpet from a number of online retailers, including:

• Great Lakes Skipper: They offer a huge discount inventory that includes vinyl flooring, teak flooring, non-skid flooring, snap-in carpet, marine carpeting, and pontoon carpeting. They stock a range of Lund boat snap-in carpets in various colours, including grey, ash gray, and dark charcoal.
• BoatCarpet.com: They offer a range of boat carpets, including premium textured 28-ounce boat carpet, luxury 24-ounce pile cut boat carpet, and standard 16-ounce cut pile boat carpet. They also provide free shipping on all orders over $50.

Materials

If you're looking for the materials to replace your Lund boat carpet yourself, you will need good carpet glue, a staple gun, and a good knife. You can purchase marine carpet and plywood for the floor from hardware stores or online.

Frequently asked questions