Cockpit Carpet on the Cheap

[Hampton]

Where did you buy the rugs and what size?

Very nice job.

Guys, I was just farting around. I hate the white showing through the gaps - too much dirt collects there. I went back to W mart and picked up a couple of 5 X 8's and a runner, then a rubber backed runner, all for almost nothing (memory on the pieces). I decided to cut them to fit, wall to wall to wall. We loved it, so we had them bound - $140 total (correct).

Now, I just washed them with Oxy clean WOW and they're holding up well, so I want to rubber back them. I'm going with the on-line stuff, I think.

 

[Hampton]

www.grizzlygrip.com is what I used. Worked great, much better than even the orginal backing. I think I ended up using 1 gal and 1 quart to do my carpets on the 370.

How did you apply it? They like their roller. Any color issues? I'm thinking white in case it begins to break down and stick.

 

[mobilemac]

What backing did u go with? Will the sun fad the carpet or the bindings? Are the throw rugs any different than the indoor carpet on the roll?

The carpet looks great! Full custom and great style. You have motivated me to tackle my 270. Thanks

 

[Hampton]

Grizzly Grip from Midwest Chemical, 5 quarts, Navy blue, UV protection. I should have done it earlier before there was wear on the back of the carpeting, but it won't matter. 2 Coats, 3 hours apart. First one, 2 quarts - thin. Second one, 3 quarts - thick (less absorbed). No leakage through. Used a brush - roller didn't work.

Could have done a better job of taping, but, it's on the back. Add $126. Total is $264.

 

[Pseudomind]

John, How about an update after you have used these for a while?

I have one piece on my boat the port side rear section in front of the door entry way, an original section or maybe it is a replacement, came with the boat or maybe it is an after market rug. On this one piece the backing is coming off and sticking to the floor.

I am hoping you do not have any sticking issues, and if you do not I just may go your route.

Thanks

:thumbsup:

 

[Hampton]

I'll keep you updated. There are others on this forum that have done this and apparently it holds up well.

 

[Hampton]

Initial impressions - really like it. Carpet feels heavy. It rolls up and doesn't fold over on itself. It stays in place nicely. It feels better to walk on.

Lessons learned:
If you're going to go through all of the work that I did, start with the best carpet you can find.
Wash it and let it dry before before you cut it to size - it'll shrink up a little.
Go find the best carpet that suits your needs and go for it.
Once you're sure you like it, get it edged and then treat the bottom without too much delay - it'll prevent some wear on the back sides from cockpit floor seams, fittings, access panels...
Find matching runners with rubber bottoms and lay them down over heavily traveled spots. For $20 a piece, they'll save your investment and make it even more comfy on your toes. They're also easier to take out and shake/wash.
Really, just go for it. It's so much better than the original stuff with huge, bare borders and gaps between pieces.

Quick Summary:
Bought cheap throw rugs with no rubber backing - $38
Cut to fit, wall to wall with breaks in convenient spots (small section in back entry for easy stowage...)
Had edged for about $40.
Bought Grizzly Grip (5 qts) and painted backs - $126
Bought $20 throw rug

 

[HUMPH]

So, John...how is that Black Box wine? I have heard about it but never tried it. We get a little snobby being 30 miles or so from Napa...

 

[firecadet613]

How much grizzly grip do you have left over?

 

[Alex F]

Initial impressions - really like it. Carpet feels heavy. It rolls up and doesn't fold over on itself. It stays in place nicely. It feels better to walk on.

Lessons learned:
If you're going to go through all of the work that I did, start with the best carpet you can find.
Wash it and let it dry before before you cut it to size - it'll shrink up a little.
Go find the best carpet that suits your needs and go for it.
Once you're sure you like it, get it edged and then treat the bottom without too much delay - it'll prevent some wear on the back sides from cockpit floor seams, fittings, access panels...
Find matching runners with rubber bottoms and lay them down over heavily traveled spots. For $20 a piece, they'll save your investment and make it even more comfy on your toes. They're also easier to take out and shake/wash.
Really, just go for it. It's so much better than the original stuff with huge, bare borders and gaps between pieces.

Quick Summary:
Bought cheap throw rugs with no rubber backing - $38
Cut to fit, wall to wall with breaks in convenient spots (small section in back entry for easy stowage...)
Had edged for about $40.
Bought Grizzly Grip (5 qts) and painted backs - $126
Bought $20 throw rug

John,
I'm glad it all worked out fine in the end. This is interesting project and I thank you for sharing all the details to showing another great alternative way to keep keep improving things, especially on the cheap.

 

[tdappleman]

So, John...how is that Black Box wine? I have heard about it but never tried it. We get a little snobby being 30 miles or so from Napa...

I'll chime in - it's actually really good - probably the best box wine I've had. The box actually does a great job of preserving the wine as well - no light in and no air getting in.

back to regular programming....

 

[Hampton]

How much grizzly grip do you have left over?

None: I tried the 1 Qt bottle for the first coat, but needed about double that. Then, I just dumped all of the remaining stuff into a big mixing bowl (told my wife I broke it) and mixed the remaining accel and UV protection. I started the 2nd coat in such a way that I could vary the useage toward the end to use up the whole amount. It worked out well. I probably waisted 1/8 gallon on the sides of the containers, mixing bowl, brush, roller attempt...

 

[Hampton]

I'll chime in - it's actually really good - probably the best box wine I've had. The box actually does a great job of preserving the wine as well - no light in and no air getting in..

Exactly. You don't have to finish a bottle in order to have a glass (or a second bottle for just one more sip).

By the case, I pay about $120 (extra 10% off for case). So, 4 bottles/box, 6 boxes/case, 24 bottles for $120.... This is on topic - Wine at dinner on the cheap!

 

[firecadet613]

I can't believe it but I think my local Walmart has the same throw rugs that you used.

What made you decide to put the grizzly grip on the back and not leave it as is?

 

[BD Dan]

I find that rubber industrial mats lay nice clean easy dry in 15 min when hung over bow rail avalable in many colors last for years.

 

[jimdavi]

I'll be right back, i'm heading to Menards for some paneling...

 

[Hampton]

I can't believe it but I think my local Walmart has the same throw rugs that you used.

What made you decide to put the grizzly grip on the back and not leave it as is?

I wanted to contain the backing as it began to flake, I wanted a little more padding, I wanted less slipping - all worked out well.

I just bought 2 more runners, cut them, and had them sewn together and bound. This will create a walkway from the transom door to the cabin door. It'll preserve the carpet and make a softer walkway.

If anybody doesn't like it, don't do it. I love it and get a lot of compliments. It started as just a short-term fix that grew into a great addition.

 

[Hampton]

Cheap, Custom Cockpit Runner - Two runners cut to fit, then sewn together and edges bound ($10 labor).

 

[shore]

I did this several years ago on my little 26' cabin.I bought a couple berber throw rug sections from Walmart.They are really cheap.4x6 or so size, I'm not sure.I layed them up in the cockpit and started cutting with scissors to meet the edges.I messed up one with a change in my plans but it is soo cheap who cares.I took it and had it bound for $1ft and it lasted 4yrs till I sold the boat.Still looked fine after a few cleanings in the driveway.I didn't back mine but I also rolled it up and stored it when on the trailer.

 

[Pseudomind]

Okay does anyone have any reports about how well the plasti dip worked? Did any carpets stick to the deck? Did the new backing material still flack off after a period of time?

Thanks