Why Marine grade Carpet?

[AnthonyA]

I was wondering why we need the rubber backed carpets in our cabins? Why do the pro's recommend agianst using regular backed carpet on our cabin walls?

There is a huge price difference and i would like to use regular carpet. thoughts? advice??

 

[copb8tx]

I recarpeted my '88 300WE and '93 400EC with top quality non-marine carpet. Both held up and looked great for years.

That said, I never had any water intrusion into the cabin that might have rotted the carpet and obviously the marine grade would be better at holding up to that. We are also pretty careful about not going into the cabin soaking wet.

So IMO, if you can keep it dry I wouldn't hesitate to use non-marine carpet.

 

[JVM225]

Marine carpet is a better choice because of the possibility of moisture. You can get away with regular carpeting until the first time it gets damp or wet.

 

[Dick Whetstone]

IMO most everything labeled "marine" will cost a lot more than non-marine parts. I am also a pilot and EVERYTHING labeled "air craft" will cost a whole lot more. For example - a regular automobile tail light bulb, which is often used in wing marker lights, will cost less than $1.00 at an auto parts store. The exact same "air craft rated" bulb can easily cost $10.00 or more.

There are applications where marine grade components should probably be used. A few examples are certain engine components, components located inside the closed engine compartment, certain electrical parts, and exterrior components exposed to water, especially salt water.

Most everywhere else I recommend that you use your best judgment. Personally in over 45 years of boating, I have had no - ZERO - problems using good quality non-marine rated components most every where else - and that includes engine oil where I have always used Rotella.

 

[AnthonyA]

Those were the answers I was looking for - I am only using the carpet on the walls of the cabin and the floors will by the vinyl Allure planks.

Thanks for the savings $$ guys!

 

[billnpat]

Those were the answers I was looking for - I am only using the carpet on the walls of the cabin and the floors will by the vinyl Allure planks.

Thanks for the savings $$ guys!

Post pics when finished if you can :thumbsup:

 

[ezwoo]

The regular backing on carpet is known as "action" backing. It is adhered to the back of the carpet with latex. Latex is water soluable. If it is repeatedly exposed to a soaking with water it will "delaminate". That is why the cockpit carpet needs to have the rubber backing or some other type of backing that is waterproof. The factory installed carpet in the cabin on my previous '03 320 had the "action" backing. If you have a dry cabin you should not have any issues.

 

[JVM225]

Just to be safe, while still saving some cash, you might want to look at something other than standard household type carpet.
I'm pretty sure they make stuff that is good for basements, or maybe you might want to look at some commercial stuff. It might cost a few bucks more than the regular carpet, but probably still less than marine carpet and it might hold up better if it gets a little wet once or twice.

 

[MonacoMike]

A boat cabin is a high moisture environment. That is why we need “Damp-Rid” in the cabins, so it is not only leaks to worry about. If this is a short term situation it will likely work. Marine manufactures compete at a high level on their boat prices and will cut corners where they can. I think even Baysinker uses marine grade carpet. It is a risk-reward proposition you are contemplating. If the non-marine carpet fails you will have spent $$$ on nothing and still need carpet.

I’d look for a discount source for marine carpet and do it right, not cheap, the first time.

MM

 

[MonacoMike]

IMO most everything labeled "marine" will cost a lot more than non-marine parts. I am also a pilot and EVERYTHING labeled "air craft" will cost a whole lot more. For example - a regular automobile tail light bulb, which is often used in wing marker lights, will cost less than $1.00 at an auto parts store. The exact same "air craft rated" bulb can easily cost $10.00 or more.

Some company has to test for suitability for marine or aircraft use, and hold liability insurance for said use. That is part of the cost. You are taking that on responsibility by using parts that are not intended for that use. You also lose any hope of warranty or follow up customer service help if incorrect parts are used.

The poster did hedge on some parts that shouldn’t be swapped but I wanted to add to that.

I would be cautious in what we choose to use non-marine or aviation parts.

MM

 

[Corinthian Marine]

I was wondering why we need the rubber backed carpets in our cabins? Why do the pro's recommend agianst using regular backed carpet on our cabin walls?

There is a huge price difference and i would like to use regular carpet. thoughts? advice??

AnthonyA - The main advantage to using 'marine' carpeting is the construction of the fibers. A good marine carpeting is usually made of 100% BCF Omega Polypropolene fibers. The main benefit of this material is it withstands damage from saltwater and UV rays--both pretty common around boats. If you're just using the carpet on the interior cabin walls, marine carpeting probably isn't really necessary. If; however, you were carpeting the cockpit or swimdeck, I wouldn't recommend anything other than a high-quality marine grade carpet.

 

[AnthonyA]

Thank you all very much for your time and input - I will definetly send pics when complete.