replacing carpet

[jimbo62]

I am thinking about replacing the carpet inside the boat. Has anybody tackled this before? any tips of what to do or what to avoid?

It seems pretty straightforward, just a lot of cutting. the tricky parts look to be the hatches. what is the best way to cut these out and get a good tight fit that doesnt look shabby? I am guessing the the hatches need to be glued down as a tack strip won't work.

thanks

Jim

[captadamnj]

I like to lay out a pattern using cardboard or some type of heavy construction paper. Newspaper will do, but something more rigid is easier to work with. I cut the back of the carpet (be sure to turn your pattern over, as well) with a box cutter, sometimes need to cut the pile with a pair of sharp scissors.

[giantfan]

Originally Posted by captadamnj

I like to lay out a pattern using cardboard or some type of heavy construction paper. Newspaper will do, but something more rigid is easier to work with. I cut the back of the carpet (be sure to turn your pattern over, as well) with a box cutter, sometimes need to cut the pile with a pair of sharp scissors.

A stated above I think that a pettern is the way to go. As for making the pattern, this is what I do, and it seems to be much easier then using cardboard. Even with the cardboard it is sometimes hard to cut it exactly perfect.

I cut thin strips of wood on a table saw. Aprox 1/8" thick and 1 1/2" wide in whatever length you need. Take the strips and lay them around the perimeter and glue togeather with a hot glue gun. After you have the perimeter done then add some angle braces to keep it from moving.

It just seems to be easier to do a pattern this way due to the fact that you are only working with one side at a time and don't have to get all sides perfect at once. For fine tuning the cuts a small block plane works great.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[Bluewater Lady Charters]

Use tack strips for the outside perimiter of the salon. Remove hatches and lay the carpet in then cut the openings out for the hatches, leaving 1" extra. Fold under and use a rug stapler and staple about every half inch on the edges. Do same for the hatches. If you are going to use padding, just lay it out and cut 1" shorter around the openings. Staples are very small and you will never see them. Mine lasted about 4 years till the staples started coming up and I constantly pull the hatches to check things.

[ezzrider]

Originally Posted by jimbo62

I am thinking about replacing the carpet inside the boat. Has anybody tackled this before? any tips of what to do or what to avoid?

It seems pretty straightforward, just a lot of cutting. the tricky parts look to be the hatches. what is the best way to cut these out and get a good tight fit that doesnt look shabby? I am guessing the the hatches need to be glued down as a tack strip won't work.

thanks

Jim

I have re-carpeted my bass boat two times over the years. I purchased my carpet and accessories to put down the carpet from Bass Pro Shops and I have found their prices and products to be the best (as far as I am concerned). If you take your time it is not really that bad of a job but TAKE YOU TIME. A good carpet cutting knife is needed. These have the replacable razor blades. On the hatches I put the carpet over them and cut it to size. The toughest part is preparing the boat to be re-carpeted. I took EVERYTHING out of my boat prior to re-carpeting. The Bass Pro Shop re-carpeting kit includes the carpet glue. It is painted on with a brush. I would also recommend getting some spray on glue to help hold things in place. Good luck.

[jimbo62]

thanks, all - this is helpful. I will probably tackle this later on when I know that I dont have to remove any parts of the floor to get better engine room acess.

Jim