boat flooring question

[griffin2]

I'm planning to replace the carpeting in the cabin of my 28' Silverton. Is it OK to use the laminate/floating floor ( Pergo etc.) instead of carpet? Does anyone have experience with this type of product in a marine application?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: boat flooring question

It seems to me that this may not be the best plan. Laminate is generally not good for a wet environment. If it gets water in the joints it will swell and buckle. So unless you're 100% positive the cabin floor will never get wet from above or below, I'd go back to carpet. The slippery surface would also concern me on a rocking boat.<br /><br />Just my thoughts. Maybe others have different ideas here...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: boat flooring question

I agree with Craze. I have it in my kitched and my wife and I agree, it will be replaced with ceramic at some point. It is definitely not recommended for a wet -- even damp environment. There are some very nice linoleum (sheet flooring) designs available today that would be ideal. No worries about dampness and easy to clean up party spills. Plus it looks nice although the "slippery" aspect is still to be contended with.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: boat flooring question

they use laminate flooring in cabins all the time. most large cabins never get wet. if you don't get water in the cabin and never had problems with the carpet, i'd think you would be fine.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: boat flooring question

I have installed many laminate floors. Most manufactures, including Pergo, recommend using a moisture barrier. Typically the barrier is nothing more that plastic, but it is necessary. This is especially important when installed in basements. If the moisture barrier is not installed, then the warranty is voided. Given the mandatory effort required to protect the floor from moisture in residential use, I would certainly stay away from laminate flooring in a marine environment,

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: boat flooring question

I would recommend NEVER use Household type laminate in a boat unless it was a 100' houseboat with A/C running most of the time. Asking for trouble, the products have improved over the years but laminate is a multi-layered product which is made for a controlled environment. Once compromised it acts like a sponge! Boats are not controlled. Moisture of any type will cause problems, which is why they require the use of a moisture barrier. Condensation from the hull will cause problems.<br /><br />Vinyl is a better choice but use a higher-end, solid "inlaid" vinyl. The colors are inlaid or fused into the substrate of the floor rather than printed and then sealed over. This is why you see foggy patches and discolorations from cheap vinyl when moisture penetration occurs. You can probaly get a remnant or end of run from a Home Depot but get the high quality stuff it you want it to last and look good. And don't use the self adhesive squares they will slip and seperate and you'll have sticky goo between the seams. <br /><br />Best yet Go to www.rrtextiles.com, leading supplier of OEM marine carpet in the world, they sell direct and you can order color swatches on-line. Pick out a nice color of marine grade carpet and glue it down on solid subfloor or you can have them make custom removable drop-in carpets if you give them a template and measurements, you can't go wrong. Good Luck!

 

[EZLoader]

Re: boat flooring question

I saw a new Pergo floor ruined after water spilled on it for a few hours. The joints, tight as they are, are not watertight. The joints swelled and were ruined. Since this is artificial wood, once wet, it doesn't shrink back. The Pergo Company would say you shouldn't put this into a boat. <br /><br />You might check out this product:<br /><br /> http://www.seadek.com/index.html#

 

[Kopasetic]

Re: boat flooring question

I installed wood flooring in my 30' Pacemaker, bought it at home depot, it's composition was plywood backer with finished oak, it has stood up for 3 years now. If your floor has that much water on it, you've got bigger problems than worrying about the floor, your probably sinking!

 

[trog100]

Re: boat flooring question

u can get sticky backed vinyl planking which looks just like (better in fact) the laminate stuff.. its waterproof and i have it in my kitchen and hall.. most folks think its a real wood floor..<br /><br />it does need a dry and flat surface to lay it on thow.. <br /><br />trog