HEAD LINING

[alorwin]

Can anyone advise on what material to use for boat headlining and where can I buy it. Was thinking along the lines of thin ply lined with some kind of closed cell foam and then covered with some kind of vinyl. All input appreciated, also any advice on the best glue for the job ( boat based in the MED and the heat is a major problem for long term adhesion) I intend to buy materials in UK if possible.

 

[boatmike]

You have close to the right solution for the med. Many boats have foam backed vinyl stuck to the roof with contact adhesive which peels off in the heat. I think your boat probably has a foam cored structure for the roof, which allows you to use short screws into the inner skin. If it doesn't you can stick battens up with epoxy to screw to. Thin ply (1/16 -1/8 depending on degree of bend) can be cut to shape and then faced with foam backed vinyl that comes in various colours and finishes. Lay down flat and glue with PVA not contact adhesive. Leave edges about 1 inch bigger all around. Leave for 24 hours to dry then turn up edges and staple to the back using stainless steel staples. When panel is finished screw to inner skin with short stainless screws and cover head of screw with snap on buttons faced with the same material. You can buy the Vinyl, glue, staples and ready made buttons from Hawke House Marine near Fareham Hants. You will also find them very helpful with detailed advice. Any more advice required PM me. If you are in the Solent region when you return to UK I can show you a 37 ft cat I did this way.

 

[Talbot]

I use felt-backed carpet stuck up with car headlining adhesive. Most normal stuff (even from Hawke House Marine) is not suitable for the heat experienced in the med, but top quality car headlining glue is (but you pay for that high melt point spec!)

 

[Ruffles]

I believe most headlining materials are available both with and without foam backing. It's the foam that's the weak link in the adhesion. It turns to powder.

I will need to do mine in a year or two. I obtained a set of fabric samples from kayospruce. I'm sure they'd post some to you.