The Best Flooring Options For Your Boat's Interior

There are many options for boat flooring, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, foam flooring is anti-slip, antibacterial, and antifungal, while vinyl flooring is waterproof and UV-resistant. On the other hand, vinyl can be slippery when wet, and foam flooring may not provide as much protection from falls. Other options include plywood, aluminium, rubber, and even horse mats. When choosing a boat floor, it's important to consider not only the functionality but also the intended use of the boat. For example, a boat used for fishing may require drainage tiles to control the mess, while a boat used for water sports may prioritise comfort and safety with a non-slip surface.

Marine plywood

While marine plywood is a great option for boat flooring, it is important to note that it is not the only option available. Other alternatives include exterior-grade plywood, which is suitable for external use and provides resistance to extreme weather and saltwater environments. Additionally, pressure-treated and fire-treated plywood options are available, which can provide additional protection against rotting, moulding, and termite damage.

When installing marine plywood or any other type of boat flooring, it is important to follow the proper steps, including measuring the standard size of the boat flooring, checking the weight capacity, and waterproofing the plywood. Regular cleaning and maintenance are also crucial to ensure the longevity of the boat flooring.

Foam boat flooring

There are a variety of foam boat flooring options available, including:

• PE/EVA foam, which is developed in the same factories that supply premium materials to high-end fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton and Birkenstock. This type of foam is known for its comfort and durability.
• XPS (extruded) polystyrene foam, which is recommended as a base layer for boat flooring. It does not soak up water or crumble into small pieces, making it a good choice for boat flooring.
• EVA foam, which is a common material for boat flooring. It is often self-adhesive and comes in a variety of colours and textures, including teak, brushed, and camo. EVA foam is known for its non-slip properties, even when wet, making it a safe option for boat flooring.

When choosing foam boat flooring, it is important to consider the specific needs of your boat and the intended use. For example, if you plan to use your boat for fishing, you may want to consider a different type of flooring, such as drainage tiles, that can handle water and mess. Additionally, if you live in an area with a lot of sun exposure, you will want to choose a boat flooring option that is UV stable to prevent fading.

Overall, foam boat flooring is a great option for boat owners who want a comfortable, non-slip surface that will enhance the interiors of their boat and provide protection for themselves and their boat.

Marine carpet flooring

When choosing marine carpet flooring, it is important to consider the purpose of your boat. For example, if you plan to use your boat for fishing, you may want to opt for drainage tiles that allow water to penetrate and make cleaning easier. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more comfortable and stylish option, marine carpet flooring could be a good choice.

There are a variety of marine carpet flooring options available in the market, including economy, deluxe, textured, and premium. These carpets come in different weights, such as 16 oz, 20 oz, and 24 oz, and widths, such as 6 ft, 7 ft, and 8 ft. You can also find indoor/outdoor boat carpets that are suitable for both bass and pontoon boats.

When installing marine carpet flooring, it is important to use the appropriate adhesives to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation.

Vinyl marine flooring

When installing vinyl marine flooring, it is important to first remove any objects attached to the boat floor, as well as any plastic or metal trim pieces. All existing carpet or vinyl will also need to be removed, along with any adhesive residue. For wood boats, it is likely that the existing wood surface will need to be replaced with new wood. The new wood should be pressure-treated plywood or marine-grade plywood screwed to the structure.

There are two types of adhesives that can be used for vinyl marine flooring: MD-101 (water-based) and MD-102 (solvent-based). MD-101 is used for wood applications, while MD-102 is used for aluminum and fiberglass surfaces. It is important to note that the wood surface should not be sealed with a water-proofing sealant before applying the adhesive, as the water-based adhesive must be applied to a porous surface for the membrane to adhere properly.

Once the surface is prepared, the vinyl can be unrolled and positioned, with weighted objects placed on one end to keep it in place. The adhesive is then applied in a serpentine pattern in front of the roll, and the vinyl is slowly unrolled and pressed down, ensuring that it is straight and wrinkle-free. Any air pockets are pressed out, and the process is repeated for the remaining vinyl.

Aluminium boat flooring

When installing aluminium flooring, it is important to consider the thickness of the material. For example, a local sheet metal shop recommended at least 1/8" thick metal for a boat floor to withstand stepping on without bending. Another source suggested that 1/8" would be overkill and that with proper support, thinner material could be used.

Aluminium sheet metal can be purchased in different sizes and thicknesses. For instance, a 5x10 sheet of T6061 aluminium that is 1/8" thick was priced at $400, while a 4x8 sheet of .100" aluminium was $90. A 5x10 sheet of .063" plate aluminium was quoted at $80, and a 5x10 sheet of 1/8" aluminium was purchased for $252.

When installing aluminium flooring, it is important to consider the type of adhesive and hardware required. For example, one source suggested using bolts, nuts/rivnuts/nutserts, and washers to fasten the floor to the boat. Additionally, closed-cell foam can be used to brace the floor between the stringers, allowing for thinner material to be used.

Frequently asked questions