Carpet or varnish?

[bonz_d]

Well we finally got all the kids out of the house, 2adults and 3 grandchildren, and I've just about finally got the garage cleaned out so maybe I can finally start this project.

The Alumacraft Classic 16 has boxes on the sides, one is a livewell and the other side is a rod locker. The tops and door panels are currently and originally covered in carpet, as were all others from this time period. The plywood is now in need of replacement as is the carpet, it's beat up and the cover on the livewell is getting soft.

Am interested in hearing what the rest of you think about not replacing the carpet and finding some nice marine ply to stain and varnish instead. Even though the marine ply would be more expensive than BCX I think it would more than make up for not having to buy carpet for this. And yes I do understand that a varnished finish would be more upkeep in the long run but I think it would be a nice touch.

Thoughts!

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Sounds like a good plan. Check your local Menards for "Araucoply" It's much nicer than BCX but not as expensive as Marine plywood.

 

[bonz_d]

The Menards near me has AB Marine ply in stock. and I'm sure I can find a sheet that looks good and has good grain to take the stain.

 

[Builderjeff]

• Marine plywood provides greater protection a small scratch through the resin or glass, if not repaired, may expose the plywood to water. Inexpensive plywood may not last long in that case.
• Marine plywood strongly increases the resale value of your boat.
• Marine plywood is stronger and has consistent mechanical properties: no voids.
• Marine plywood is much nicer and easier to work with.
• For small boats, quality 4 mm plywood is a good substitute for the 1/4" exterior ply often specified.
• Marine plywood (except for Fir) will not check. That feature may by itself pay for the difference in cost. To get a good finish with Fir or Pine, the hull will require extra fiberglassing and large amounts of fairing compound. This is not necessary with Meranti or Okume.

 

[bonz_d]

Here is what I'm looking at changing.




The 1st picture is the rod locker, second picture is the livewell. Not the carpet on the splash well. Not sure how I'm going to recover that area yet but I have a couple ideas.

 

[jigngrub]

Nautolex marine deck vinyl!

 

[bonz_d]

Thanks, but not what I was looking to do. The question was either stained and varnished wood or more carpet back on the side boxes.

 

[64osby]

Check your local Menards for "Araucoply" It's much nicer than BCX but not as expensive as Marine plywood.

+1

The Arauco plywood is right next to the marine stuff. Our Menards carries both 1/2 and 3/4. It has the same glue as Marine ply and the sheets I've seen look very nice. They also sell it as ACX, ask one of the employees.

I will be using it when the time comes. Many of the Tin Heads arty: also use it. It is Starmada approved for transoms and floors.

 

[Watermann]

Here's an idea. Rusto makes some good deck stain in a wide array of colors to add color and protection to your wood with the oil and pigment. Then use Wogs wood treatment formula of mineral spirits, boiled linseed oil and spar varnish to seal it up, finishing off with coats of just the spar.

 

[gm280]

bonz_d, I'm kind of partial to carpet and here's why. When the wifey goes with me fishing, she likes the soft feel that the carpet provides and regardless of whether it is steamy hot or frigid cold the carpet doesn't feel extreme to either temperatures... If is nice on bare feet... But everybody has to build their own boat like they want. That's the beauty of doing your own thing like YOU want!.

 

[bonz_d]

Guys I think you're getting the wrong impression. This isn't to cover the decking this is just for the door hatches on the livewell and rod locker.
Picture 1, the area under the remote control box. Picture 2 the area where the fish ruler is.

 

[jigngrub]

Thanks, but not what I was looking to do. The question was either stained and varnished wood or more carpet back on the side boxes.

Carpet then, it'll be easier to install. You can use your old pieces of wood as templates and you won't have to recalculate the opening and hatch sizes for a thinner material which really throws some people for a loop if their skillset isn't up to snuff for a project like that.

 

[Watermann]

Thanks, but not what I was looking to do. The question was either stained and varnished wood or more carpet back on the side boxes.

I think I understood what you were wanting to do and you were wanting options. It's a personal choice on what you want. Either way the boat will be mismatched on colors of carpet or stained wood. Me personally I hate dealing with carpet in a boat.

 

[bonz_d]

All the old carpet is coming out as it's seen better days., Yes I am no interior designer and no sense of color scheme. Just remember that some of the older Lund models did this and it looked good then. They didn't use a lot of uncovered wood but enough.

Personally I like the look of stained wood and love the look of old wood boats for whatever that's worth.

 

[jigngrub]

Carpet also hides gaps, cracks, joints, and crooked saw cuts that will be visible and possibly unsightly in a stained and clear finish. The aforementioned imperfections can be dressed up and hidden with trim, but that takes extra time, money, and a certain amount of expertise too.