1999 260DA - Replacing Cabin Carpet with an alternative

[gbourdon]

Hello All, first time poster but I have been viewing this forum for the last couple of years.

I am hoping someone has replaced the carpet with an alternative in their same model 260. I am interested in some ideas of materials to use, and photos of completed projects would be great.

I dont plan to replace all carpet, just the walking surfaces and most likely just the walking surface in the galley area at the lowest point where it gets the most wet and the most spills.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lazy Daze]

If you haven't seen the threads about cabin carpet replacement already, just know that the carpet is basically "super glued" down. It does not come out easily.

Do you currently have carpet runners in the cabin? If not, why not just install those? Easy install. Pick your color. Remove them when you need to (like cockpit carpet, with snaps) to clean.

Check this out, if you haven't already:
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...260DA-Sundancer-thread?highlight=260DA+thread

 

[jason78]

I replaced several pieces of carpet in my 280 last Spring. It is not easy but not as hard as I understood it would be. You will need lots of patience and may have to disassemble alot of "stuff" to get the old carpet out and the new in. The "main" sections are especially tough because the lower carpet is one or two large pieces and was installed before the cabinets, seats, etc. got put in on top of it. At least that is how mine is done, and they were still using this technique in 2010 when I visited the plant so I assume it will be no different on yours. You will also need sharp carpet blades with plenty of blades.

I went back with the matching OEM carpet that was in my cabin. I was not replacing all sections and wanted the new to match the original. I went through all kinds of trouble just to find carpet for my 05 and that was in 09 so I doubt your would be able to find the OEM carpet even if you wanted to. Before I was able to secure my OEM replacement carpet, I had found a couple manufacturers that offered cockpit carpet. None of it seemed anywhere close to the quality of the OEM carpet so I am glad I found what I was looking for. They will all send samples so I am sure if you keep looking long enough you will find what you need.

Jason

 

[gbourdon]

I do have carpet runners and I could install those. I may explore having them re-made in a differnt material than the canvas they are currently made out of. I have 2 small dogs and the carpet is just a difficult thing to vacuum and keep looking clean in general. I actually go through all of the carpet with lint rollers on most occasions to get it clean as the vaccum doesnt have enough suction to really get the carpet clean.

I was hoping to get the walking surfaces made out of a material that would provide easier cleanup. I have also considered leaving the carpet down and installing vinyl flooring right over the top of it. I wouldnt glue it down at all I would leave it free floating, i just dont want it to get wet underneath the flooring and cause mold and mildew to form.

My carpet is in fine shape, i am just looking for a solution for easier cleaning and resistance to mold and mildew.

 

[andy k]

I used the Allure flooring from home depot. It is very inexpensive and looks nice.

 

[Sous]

Andy, how'd that work out for you on the curvy parts? Wait that came out wrong... how easy/difficult was that to install in the areas it's not flat, especially where the angles are?

I was interested in doing something similar with my '05 260 but was concerned with the sloped areas.

Yours looks great BTW, very nice job!

 

[andy k]

allure flooring looks like real wood but it is a type of vinyl so it is very flexible and will bend to the angle of the floor. I did use foam in a can to fill the two dips that run the length of the floor. I just cut the pieces to fit and then glued them down. It took be about 4 hours to rip up the old carpet and replace it with the allure flooring. I did not do the steps yet. I am trying to figure out what to use for the edge since it is not straight.

 

[Sous]

allure flooring looks like real wood but it is a type of vinyl so it is very flexible and will bend to the angle of the floor. I did use foam in a can to fill the two dips that run the length of the floor. I just cut the pieces to fit and then glued them down. It took be about 4 hours to rip up the old carpet and replace it with the allure flooring. I did not do the steps yet. I am trying to figure out what to use for the edge since it is not straight.

Ah smart idea with the foam... I'm assuming you mean the insulation type foam-in-a-can, the stuff used when installing doors and windows and such.... right?

 

[andy k]

yes, It gets hard once it cures. I actually spray in in the gaps first and then lay the flooring over the top while the foam is soft this makes a tight hard seal once it expands and hardens.

 

[gbourdon]

Andy, this is exactly what I had in mind. Perfect! It came out fantastic. I have the blue carpet in my boat but I now know what to expect!

I was planning on using that same flooring as well. Awesome awesome.

Greg

 

[Lazy Daze]

That is very interesting, Andy. I've been thinking about doing something with my floor, but had only thought about planks. The area is so small - especially when you take out the angled area. Your idea is great!