- Feb 14, 2009
- 1,361
- Boat Info
- '07 42SS Carver, full electronics array
'03 380DA, RL80C+, ST7001, Kohl 7.3,4kw o/array sold
- Engines
- 8.1S Crusader express drives
Among all the posts on the deterioration of the carpet backing, someone mentioned putting some underlayment down between the carpet and the fiberglass deck. I think the idea was to keep the rubberized backing from sticking to the deck-making a mess.
I had played around with underlayment materials in my home garage floor (snap tile over concrete) and started experimenting a little on the boat. I wanted to stop the delamination of the backing onto the fiberglass, but also wanted to see if there was a way to add some extra cushioning (sometimes my piggies ache from too much standing...tough life). I found that traditional carpet padding didn't work...it absorbed too much water and was too thick to allow easy carpet snapping. The thin wood floor underlayment worked fine as a backing, didn't interfere with the snap downs, but didn't add anything to the feel. I think I have a real winner in UVA antifatigue padding.
I'll upload a picture of the stuff, but I went by Costco, and for about $20 got a fairly large roll of greyish patterned underlayment. Its about 3/8ths inch, and cuts easily with a box cutter. I pulled up the deck carpet and put it over the underlayment and made a template, then I cut inside the template about an inch all the way around. I put the underlayment on the deck and put the carpet back over it. I didn't use any adhesive, just friction fit. It snapped fine, and I cannot tell you how much better it feels.
The product has some channeling to allow moisture to escape and claims to be antimicrobial (remains to be seen). I meant to take pictures, and instead took videos, so I have to update with pictures and product information...but so far, a remarkably comfortable, cheap and easy add. Once I figure out the adhesive, I think it will be a great option to use the leftovers for the floor pads on the jetskis too.
I had played around with underlayment materials in my home garage floor (snap tile over concrete) and started experimenting a little on the boat. I wanted to stop the delamination of the backing onto the fiberglass, but also wanted to see if there was a way to add some extra cushioning (sometimes my piggies ache from too much standing...tough life). I found that traditional carpet padding didn't work...it absorbed too much water and was too thick to allow easy carpet snapping. The thin wood floor underlayment worked fine as a backing, didn't interfere with the snap downs, but didn't add anything to the feel. I think I have a real winner in UVA antifatigue padding.
I'll upload a picture of the stuff, but I went by Costco, and for about $20 got a fairly large roll of greyish patterned underlayment. Its about 3/8ths inch, and cuts easily with a box cutter. I pulled up the deck carpet and put it over the underlayment and made a template, then I cut inside the template about an inch all the way around. I put the underlayment on the deck and put the carpet back over it. I didn't use any adhesive, just friction fit. It snapped fine, and I cannot tell you how much better it feels.
The product has some channeling to allow moisture to escape and claims to be antimicrobial (remains to be seen). I meant to take pictures, and instead took videos, so I have to update with pictures and product information...but so far, a remarkably comfortable, cheap and easy add. Once I figure out the adhesive, I think it will be a great option to use the leftovers for the floor pads on the jetskis too.
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