Carpet Replacement

[MASTERBrian]

I'm looking at possibly replacing the carpet in my 1986 Ranger 373V. Looking online, it looks like there is a bunch of different weighted carpets. Can anyone tell me what is likely on my boat? I'm not sure if I should be using a 16oz, or a 24oz or something in between. I would guess a heavier weighted carpet would hold up better, but I question if I have a 16oz carpet on boat now and change to a heavier weighted carpet, my hatches may not shut right after redoing. Am I correct in my thinking?

Any suggestions of where to buy from? I'm also guessing there are brands that are recommended and brands that I should stay away from.

What about glues?

I'm looking for a nice red if that makes any difference.

I have noticed a website called marinecarpeting.com that sells pre-cut carpet for my boat. Don't know anything about them, but the precut carpet is about $350, where it looks like buying the capet not cut is about $200. Is the pre-cut worth the $$?

Thanks!

P.S.
On a side note, I recently noticed a lot of boats like mine have a different hatch lock, that appears recessed. Is that something that is easy to change out?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Carpet Replacement

Get the heavier carpet. The hatches will be tight to start but the carpet will compress and it will be fine. Pre-cut or raw? Personal pref. Easier but more money. How much time and money do you have? That solves the problem for me. I use contact cement. Like "weldwood" get at any home inprovment store $25-30/gal. Don't get indoor/outdoor carpet stay with marine grade. Can't tell you about changing hatch locks. There are dozens of them out there. Depends on what you have and what you want. Need a lot more info.

iboats has good carpet, but not pre-cut. Get it right here

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Carpet Replacement

You may want to wait to do this later in the year, like late fall or winter. It doesn't seem like it would be that time consuming of a job, but it is. Removing the old carpet glue from the deck and hatches will take a while.

I agree with George, heavier is better carpet. Marine grade is better, and contact cement is the best adhesive... but it can be tricky to work with until you get the hang of it, practice on scrap pieces first and then carpet your smaller pieces like hatches and stuff to get the hang of the adhesive.

I strongly suggest investing in a hand held carpet roller and laminate roller like these:

They embed the carpet backing into the adhesive for a longer lasting and much more professional looking job.

 

[MASTERBrian]

Re: Carpet Replacement

Thanks for the suggestion on the roller, that's probably a great idea.

I'll plan on the heavier stuff, now to find some I like. The front deck is starting to peal up, so I may get started sooner, but just work one area at a time, vs pulling it all up at once.

Now are there any recommendations for areas like my under the seat rod locker? Currently it's carpeted, which is great for giving the area a soft surface to protect things a bit, but things tend to snag on the carpet.