Carpeting alternatives?

[AndyDale]

The original cockpit carpeting on my Fiesta Vee 250 is far gone, and I pulled it out. Since I plan to fish off the Calif coast, I prefer the practicality of the bare deck. But I have all the snaps still in place of course.

Anyone have experience in removing the carpet snaps? What options are there in removing the snaps and putting down some kind of deck coating?

Andy

[Gene]

Wow I would think thats lots of work to remove snaps. In the event anybody ever wants to put carpet back in they might want the snaps. Maybe just take them out and make some small circles of non skid tape and put them over the holes? If the floors in good shape this may be a much easier solution.

[osead]

I have the same model.  I took my carpet out ASAP when I bought the boat and have been using it with the snaps in place since I plan on re-installing the carpet if I sell it.  I've not had any problem with them from any one in the boat.

Good luck if you remove them though.

[DaleM]

You might try removing the snaps and filling the holes with a silicone caulk that matches relatively close in color.  Check with siding suppliers, they usually have many different colors available.  Keep the snaps/studs and if you decide to get carpet again locating the holes won't be too difficult.  The caulk will also keep the water out of fiberglass.

[WBII]

We had our carpet out last year for a few weeks, and I cannot tell you how many times I stepped on those snaps with bare feet!!  Ouch!!   

[Dream 'Inn]

I'd agree with Dale.  Putting a little silicon in there after removing the snaps will allow you to put them back at a later date, but keep the water out and look ok as well.

[tanorexic]

You can buy snap covers!  I found them on ebay!  The ones I purchased were white.  I believe they came in a 12 pack! (Gotta like the sound of that!)  They were white plastic and cover the snap completely.    I believe they were around $3. 

[NO GIN]

Check out what I did:

My carpet backing was doing the same so I removed all the carpeting, cleaned off all the "crunchies", taped everything off I didn't want resurfaced and sprayed the backing with rubberizer spray. I used to own a custom car shop so this was no big deal for me. I have had the carpets back on the boat now for 2 weeks through rain and salt water and she is holding up really nicely! I couldn't fathem paying $600 plus for new carpet when the carpet itself is in great condition. It came out great and much much better. I still get a "crunchy" or 2 but nothing even noticeable unless you are Mr. Meticulous like I am.

Check out my pics!











This was the worst of it. I was so excited to get-er done and in my boat I forgot to get after pics!! I can assure you it came out awesome and works great in the boat. Perhaps I'll flip it over in my boat and shoot some pics?? You can see where I tested a little area with the spray.

[trich11]

Where do you get rubberizer spray? Is it expensive and how much did you need to do your carpets? I have a 342 and would love to put my carpets back down but the admiral hates the black rubber crap.

[NO GIN]

You can find it in any automotive store. Made by Dupli-Color and called Rubberized Undercoat. Its like $8 a can and you need a bunch of cans! I did all of my carpets and I think I used 6 or 7 cans. Thin light coats and at least 24 hours dry time after the last coat is applied. I would say all and all it cost me around $100 plus a few hours of my time. My wife tells me I should start a business resurfacing boat carpet backs! Lol - .... maybe she is right..... 

[trich11]

Looks great NO GIN. I believe armed with this information, I have another project to do.

[diverseyboats]

This is awesome!

My 03 310 cockpit carpet is getting very bad..... Going to give this a try!

I did replace my cabin carpeting a few years back... Absolute nightmare with the glue but well worth it in case anyone is wondering.

[shranka]

A friend of ours went to SnapinCarpet .com for new carpet for a 342 - try there

[trich11]

Used the rubberizer spray on our carpets and they turned out great. Thanks for the tip NO GIN.   

[NO GIN]

Looks great NO GIN. I believe armed with this information, I have another project to do.

My pleasure trich11 .......... I have had my carpets snapped in for several weeks sine ruberizing and its working out better than I imagined they would. No more black crumblies ! ! !