laminent flooring

[pedromerk]

i was at the Toronto boat show last week and saw a few boats that seemed to have laminent flooring installed in the cabin. Some actually looked pretty nice. Some (Chapparal) actually had it stuck over top of the carpet. Has anyone thought of doing this to their boat? Pedro

[jmeyers278]

I have seen that as well, I'm not sure what type of flooring they are using because regular laminate floor you get at a DIY store is easily ruined by the slightest bit of moisture.  The seams swell where the pieces lock together.  I installed a very expensive laminate floor in my wife's salon that was supposed to be moisture resistant.  We are super crazy about how we clean it.  I have some seams swelling after people walking in when it was snowing and she dry mops the floor several times a day.  Not sure what they use but nothing you can buy at home depot will work 

[alswagg]

I have seen several manufactures utilizing laminat and vinyl flooring in boat cabin soles.  I for one think the laminat and vinyl looks very cheap.  Now, a vaneer teak and holly floor looks very nice, and can withstand some moisture.  But, for the same price as a vaneer teak and holly, I can install a solid 1/2  teak.  The solid teak can withstand any amount of moisture you want to put on it.  I have installed this in several boats as well as our own open cockpit ski boat.  I for one will never go back to carpet.  Vinyl flooring has it's place though, in a pontoon.   Al