Cockpit Carpet on the Cheap

[Hampton]

$40 and 1.5 hours - the other half will cost another $40 (the runner will not stay there). If we really like this, I think I'll paint the rubber backing on like one of our members did last year to renew his original cockpit rugs.

 

[Uplate]

I am interested in how you like it after a few months with the edges unbound.

 

[Hampton]

I am interested in how you like it after a few months with the edges unbound.

Good observation. The previous rugs were unbound for the last year in front of each of the 3 Captain's chairs - no issues. The price is deceptive though, as we will be having them bound.

 

[JohnEGraham]

If you are really trying to save $$ .Binding is real easy. You can buy the binding but the roll. You layout the binding along the edge, laying on the carpet, staple it and turn rug over and glue it to the back ( don't pull to tight) ( did it in High school )
BTW. Seaming also easy. Rent a Seaming iron and seaming tape ( double cut ) good luck

 

[HavnFunYet?]

Sorry, but you have such an absolutely beautiful boat...why would you put something it it that looks like $hit?

Spend the extra money and you will be so much more happy with the results. There is thread after thread about snap-in carpet.com and the great work they do (they did mine this year as well and I could not be happier) and make it right the first time...well, in this case, the second time.

 

[fwebster]

John,

Don't use the stapled on binding in our area no matter how cheap it is.......you'll have rusty binding and cockpit floors in about a week. Take the cut carpets to Carpet Installers supply over on Florida Ave......they use a sewn on binding that matches and will last.

I've done the same thing you have and mine fit better and look better than OEM cockpit carpets because we chose the carpet that best matched the boat and we don't have to deal with backing sticking to the floor.

 

[Hampton]

John,

Don't use the stapled on binding in our area no matter how cheap it is.......you'll have rusty binding and cockpit floors in about a week. Take the cut carpets to Carpet Installers supply over on Florida Ave......they use a sewn on binding that matches and will last.

I've done the same thing you have and mine fit better and look better than OEM cockpit carpets because we chose the carpet that best matched the boat and we don't have to deal with backing sticking to the floor.

Thanks.

I'll give them a try. Didn't plan on staples. Not trying to get off cheap either - just want it done right (as always).

 

[Hampton]

Sorry, but you have such an absolutely beautiful boat...why would you put something it it that looks like $hit?

Nice.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Frank,

For those of us not in your neighborhood, how would someone go about finding someone to sew binding on the carpet edge? Would it be a regular/household carpet installer, or some sort of specialty business?

Henry

 

[hobbs]

http://www.instabind.com/ I have never used this product. Personally I would have a professional sew the edge. Might be a DYI solution from someone.

 

[sprink56]

Thanks.

I'll give them a try. Didn't plan on staples. Not trying to get off cheap either - just want it done right (as always).

I applaud you for not being one of the "sheep" and thinking for yourself.

Good idea.:thumbsup:

 

[Hampton]

I applaud you for not being one of the "sheep" and thinking for yourself.

Good idea.:thumbsup:

Thanks! We had 2 sets of the original rugs in our 250, 1 set of original in the 340 (never in good shape), 1 set of throw rugs in the 340 (great for a few months), and now, I'm tired of looking at rugs with 6" gaps around every corner and crevice. So far, I really like it.

 

[gnealon]

man.. looks great! For 40 bucks, you can make a new set every year and keep it looking like new! :smt038

 

[Bottom Line]

John....looks good. What kind of carpet is that? Indoor/outdoor? berber? What is the backing?

 

[fwebster]

Henry,

Go to a carpet retailer who sells his carpet on an installed basis and ask him who binds his carpet. Most reasonably large cities have a carpet supplier with a binding machine. All it takes is a single needle upholstry machine with a binding folder and access to binding. I found that carpet retailers will have scraps bound for customers as a courtesy but their price (in our area anyway) is about 150% of the true cost. When the carpet guy says he'll handle it for you, tell him its for a boat and you think he would most likely not want the complication to his regular business......that usually get you a phone number and a contact.

 

[Lazy Daze]

If you happen to have a local canvas maker or auto upholsterer in your area, they can do binding.

I don't know the cost of actual "binding", but I just about 2 yards of canvas duck at a fabric store tonight. It can be cut into strips and then sewn on. I pad $10 for the 2 yards.

I cut my carpet to allow easier access to the engine compartment. I dropped the carpet pieces off at a local canvas maker, he said "It'll be done tomorrow, about $6.50, definitely less than $10".

By the way, that carpet in your pictures looks nice going all the way right up to the seat bases.

 

[Hampton]

Thanks, all.

 

[FYN409]

I like it, looks nice. You have inspired me to give it a try. I like the idea of it going to the edges also. Hey a snap installation tool is not that expesive either (compared to full carpet replacement). You could use the original snap locations just to hold it more snug...... just a thought.

-Ryan

 

[Hampton]

John....looks good. What kind of carpet is that? Indoor/outdoor? berber? What is the backing?

It's throw rugs in berber. The backing is the standard weave stuff, not rubber. I would consider painting them in rubber, if that system works well.

If nothing else, I have perfect patterns for next year! : )

 

[Newbie]

Looks pretty good John. I would consider cutting it at the hatch seams though. I would imagine that after a little time, the carpet will settle into the gap. Especially after getting wet?? It's also gotta be a pain to have to remove all that carpet to get to the bilge.

I've been thinking of making my own also since snapin wants something like $700 for our 340. The only thing thats held me back is the backing, I worry that with no rubber the rough backing would act like sand paper on the gelcoat. I have been meaning to pick up the white rubber RV roof coating an giving it a test try to see if its flexible enough, durabak isn't exactly cheap!