Carpet as headliner?

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pugwash60

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I've an Elizabethan 31 and there is no headliner in the fo'c'sle, I was thinking of using carpet, has anybody tried this and or have any useful comments?
Currently it is painted GRP but the paint is all flaking off as the grp flexes when I step on the foredeck. I think the insulation would be beneficial whilst still being able to be removed easily. (I was planning on fitting it with velcro).
Thanks.
 
I have used Carpet to line My westerly, This works fine, And gives good insulation best to use a unbacked man made fibre, Mine was ribbed exhibition carpet from a show we did at the NEC, I then used wooden strip stained to match the teak when finishing and over joints agains looks well.

Make sure surface is clean and wipe with meths or alchohol to prepare surface for glue, You can use a good quality spay or paint on adhesive.

Apply to both the carpet and grp, Leave untill the last minute when the glue is starting to cure. You will only get one go so try the pannels before applying glue.

Best to leave about 1" allround then trim later, I found fixing in the centre then rub out to the edges with a cloth was the best technique when applying.

Warm up the boat a little to help the glue go off.

Mine is Royal blue and looks great.. If you need any help PM me

Cheers Paul
 
..and why not.
You obviously need to remove the flaky paint. Not sure about velcro. It may just sag between the patches. Use an upholstery glue. In fact try the whole automotive route and look for classic car upholstery (on the web) as they make carpet that doesn't decay with moisture and has stretch. One here
 
I used carpet to line the cabin sides in the aft cabin of my Pentland. It worked a treat using spray adhesive - but do be careful - make sure there is plenty of ventilation & NO NAKED LIGHTS! G-daughter delighted with the outcome, warm, smart & nice to the touch.

It will make you as high as a kite if you are not careful & there was a MoBo incident last year where the boat was destroyed on a pontoon coz they were using spray adhesive when the pilot light (on a water heater?) caused an explosion & fire. I think the owners were injured too - so do make sure no sources of ignition ANYWHERE near by.
 
Some good advice already but if I can add some thoughts.

My Centaur has cord carpet in the forcabin, it's a mid brown sort of colour. I wouldn't want to go much darker as it could get gloomy. The water stains/mildew spots still show though so I wouldn't go any lighter either.

Infact I would use vinyl or something I can wipe down with Milton to get rid of mildew or related damp stuff if I was starting again.
 
It will make you as high as a kite if you are not careful
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I strongly recommend an "Organic vapours" mask used in conjunction with good ventillation

Very effective!

3M mask

Available from many sources including Hawke house who do a cheaper version as well (Also suitable adhesives, not to mention a self adhesive polypropylene carpet lining specifically for the job)
 
perhaps as well to check the upper temperature limit of the adhesive, as decks can become very hot (under that rare phenomenon, sunshine!). Some glues will start to go tacky and drippy at - say - about 50deg C.
 
I am glad someone asked this question as it was one on my list...

Can any suggest a good, easy to apply and cheap adhesive to use?

Makes and links would be fantastic!

Thanks,

Dan
 
Hawke House do (or did a few years ago) self adhesive 'carpet' that is really a felt. Used it to line forecabins on my catamaran. Warm to the touch and easy to fit. Cut and try with backing on then peel a bit off and attach, peeling more backing off as its fitted. A lot easier than spray on or spoon on adhesives and no need for mask.
 
Hawke House do (or did a few years ago) self adhesive 'carpet'
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See my post up the page a bit!

All necessary adhesives and other materials can be obt from HH. incl vinyl if you prefer it
 
you can use an ordinary carpet adhesive availible from any flooring wholesaler,its not to dear and you get a second chance as it dosnt stick instantly,you can actualy put the carpet up near enough and then push it about to fit properly,our boat was done by a friend who is a carpet fitter using foam backed cord carpet its only thin so bends and cuts very easy,i would recomend it to anyone its been up for nine years and still looks good,(no fumes no mask no danger)stay safe,kieron
 
Carpet as headlining........

Having lined the sides of my forecabin with the aforesaid carpet I would avoid using the foam backed version myself,it will deteriorate and hold any dampness rather than breathe it away, and adjusting position may be more difficult with foam. I used a beige and it has warmed the hull side when using the bunks there. If vinyl is your preference there is a version with a light pattern in cream which has a tissue like backing,more for a headlining I think ,and was about £10 per metre x 1.5metres wide,at the 'Range' ,and a local upholstery shop at Porchester.
 
Carpet

I did my old centaur with carpet on the vertical surfaces, like next to bunks etc.

I had some great stuff which came from C & J covers in chichester. Dead easy to apply too.

Good luck, It'll look great when you have done it.
 
Hi Yes if you apply early you can remove and re apply but you will not get the best adhesion this is very important...

Stay well away from foam backed carpet. It breaks down very quickly. The unbacked stuff is the best way to go. (speaking of experience)
 
hull lineing

Having just finished lining the inside of my colvic watson I can recomend a good carpet and at a good price from a local carpet shop in swansea the owner also a sailor recomends this he has done the same on his boat the carpet is gel backed thin and pliable its used in care homes it will not rot I used his aerosole adesive that was very good £5 can I used three
PM me for further info
 
Badger_ said:
I am glad someone asked this question as it was one on my list...

Can any suggest a good, easy to apply and cheap adhesive to use?

Makes and links would be fantastic!

Thanks,

Dan
Click to expand...

Dunlop trim fix is available on Ebay for around £9 per 500ml can. I used this to fix both vinyl and carpet to my boat with great success. I would also strongly recommend the 3M organic vapour mask - I read one horror story about a DIY boater who suffered liver failure after breathing the fumes from spray adhesive.
 
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planteater said:
Dunlop trim fix is available on Ebay for around £9 per 500ml can. I used this to fix both vinyl and carpet to my boat with great success. I would also strongly recommend the 3M organic vapour mask - I read one horror story about a DIY boater who suffered liver failure after breathing the fumes from spray adhesive.
Click to expand...

I remember that one - mainly because I nearly did it myself. The glue he and I used was standard Thixofix which at that time had Toluene in it. Apart from being pretty toxic, toluene is an anaesthetic, so like carbon monoxide you gradually get more dopy without realising the danger. Fortunately I finished the job fairly quickly and got out into fresh air before any damage was done! But i felt quite groggy for several hours after.

Because of this danger Dunlop have re-formulated Thixofix as a low vapour low risk glue now, and it is very effective for sticking headliners and carpet.

But never again without a vapour mask below decks!
 
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