Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

[jstatham]

Hello everyone I have a 2001 18ft Bass Buggy and its time for the carpet to get replaced and I do not want carpet anymore. I have the aluminum deck and from everything that I have read the vinyl floor will not stick to the aluminum. So what are my other options? Last year I completely restored my 87 party barge and used the Grey Herculiner painted over the wood deck and it turned out great. This is my fishing boat and it serves the purpose well. However it is a little too rough for the kids feet so I am looking to use something a little softer on this boat so the wife and kids will be happy. I am thinking of possibly going with the Rubber Diamond Plate mat or possibly painting the floor again but not sure what product to use. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

I thought I read somewhere the other day that the Vinyl could be laid over the aluminum deck but required a different adhesive.

Quote from another un-named site for marine grade flooring etc.

Notice: When installing vinyl flooring onto wooden decks use our standard vinyl/carpet adhesive. For aluminum, metal or fiberglass surfaces use a solvent based adhesive. Standard indoor/outdoor adhesive will not work for metal or fiberglass surfaces.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

It would be cool if they made clear plexiglass strong enough to use as flooring....you could have a glass-bottomed boat!

Others have used stainless diamond plate steel with much success. Still others have used vinyl sheeting (not the smooth type) with equal success. Search the forum for these posts.

 

[jstatham]

Re: Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

I am thinking of using this. Any thoughts?

G-Floor - Garage Floor Cover/Protector - 10' x 22' - Sam's Club

G-Floor Garage Floor Protector - 10' x 22' Levant Pattern - Sam's Club

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

There are many different mastics used on vinyl floors. A sheet vinyl will work on your aluminum decked boat, but you must use the correct glue.

Check PontoonStuff.com to see what they have. GreatLakesSkipper.com often also sells marine vinyl. You can also find it on Google--Marine Vinyl floors.

Marine vinyl is great stuff, and it has a texture that is easy on the feet and not slippery. And on fishing pontoons, it should be standard from the factory.

 

[kazeej]

Re: Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

I have a buddy on another forum who uses area rugs. He buys them at consignment shops, so they're not expensive. They're easy on the tootsies, and clean up easily. He hoses them down when necessary, and drapes them over the gunwales to dry.

Jack
South Florida

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

Weldwood contact adhesive will bond marine vinyl to aluminum forever. Also to wood and fiberglass.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Alternatives to Carpet on Pontoon

Hello everyone I have a 2001 18ft Bass Buggy and its time for the carpet to get replaced and I do not want carpet anymore. I have the aluminum deck and from everything that I have read the vinyl floor will not stick to the aluminum. So what are my other options? Last year I completely restored my 87 party barge and used the Grey Herculiner painted over the wood deck and it turned out great. This is my fishing boat and it serves the purpose well. However it is a little too rough for the kids feet so I am looking to use something a little softer on this boat so the wife and kids will be happy. I am thinking of possibly going with the Rubber Diamond Plate mat or possibly painting the floor again but not sure what product to use. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

12 years of use isn't all that bad. We boat on Lake Lanier and have real light tan vinyl on the back deck of our toon and all I can say is don't dare step on it if the temps are over 85. It will burn your feet off.
I would get a test piece of vinyl and lay it out in the sun before buying it and installing it on your boat and see how hot it gets.

I know there are other people on hers who swear by vinyl, I swear AT it, maybe they don't live where we live and their temps are more moderate. Good luck.