Replacing carpets

[boatsRus]

Yes, I know, carpets on yachts are for softies!! But mine had a carpet when I bought it, and I have gotten kinda used to it. Sadly, the rubber backing has perished and cracked, so the carpet needs replacing. Do the experts have any recommendations for specific types and sources of rubber backed carpet which will do the job? And how much per metre should I expect to pay for the stitching around the edges? Thank you in anticipation.

 

[ChasB]

Is rubber backing a good idea on a boat?

I got mine from ukcarpetsdirect.com Excellent service. They'll send you free samples too. Buy acrylic - no chance of rot.

 

[Rabbie]

You could consider Flotex which is totally waterproof, easy to clean, cuts with scissors and does not need edging and seems to last forever.

 

[Guest]

I always used Bathroom Rubber backed carpet ... based on it being designed for a Bathroom and wet ...

Then I bought present boat which has Hessian backed made to fit carpet ... all hemmed etc.

I've had the boat over 8 - 9 yrs and all still in good condition ... I know it wasn't new when I bought the boat. It's got wet ... it's got dirty ... had beer etc. spilt on it.

We've shampoo'd it clean and it will last a few years yet ...

I was surprised having always thought hessian backed would be bad ...

 

[Talbot]

I had that problem with rubber backed carpet- after a couple of seasons, the rubber was falling apart. Last time I use a felt backed carpet - plus sewn edges. That carpet is fantastic. Only problem is the need for double sided tape to stop the felt sliding on the GRP. Not only does it wear well, but the felt offers a better sound and temperature insulator.

I bought the carpet from Carpet Right cut it using patterns that I had made onboard, and then sent the cut product away for sewing. Final fit was great.

 

[Boathook]

As per other posts don't user 'rubber' backed carpet. I used some carpet that was all 'man made' with a hesian style back. The only problem is that the edges fray a bit but a knife soon sorts that out and keeps it tidy.

 

[Kawasaki]

I agree with You Rocksalt, Flotex is the Bis.
Taint cheap but is absolutely bullet proof.
Wears well, I,ve even spilt diesel on it and it cleaned up.

Obviously various types of alchahol/ red wine etc too!
As long as You dont tear or rip it.
It will last for years.
The bits on My boat are 20 years old, apart from where I,ve been careless and damaged them they still come up like new.
Flotex, that's the stuff

 

[Anwen]

I bought felt backed carpet from Allied and cut it out using cardboard templates I had made. I found a local company which makes rugs etc, and they edged them all apart from the cutout for the mast compression post, which I did by hand using some extra wool that they gave me. I think it cost me about £50 for the edging.

I also found some carpet fixing tape in B&Q which is like the hook side of velcro, but the hooks are straight. It has a self adhesive backing, so you cut strips to length, peel off the backing tape, stick in place to the cabin sole and put the carpet down. The "spikes" stick into the felt backing and hold everything in place. I can walk around down below when the boat is heeled and all the carpets stay in place very nicely.

I went with felt because it is going to be more permeable than foam or rubber, which should help the bilges to dry out.

 

[PCUK]

I use commercial carpet tiles, although not as 'luxurious' as normal carpet they have many advantages - never wear out, can be replaced individually, can be lifted individually for access to hatches etc. not expensive and only the correct number are needed with very little waste especially when fitted onto awkward spaces.
Plenty of new stock on Ebay as well.