Carpet Backing

Buzzy

Has anyone successfully repaired/replaced the cockpit carpet backing? My carpet is in good shape but the backing is falling apart. 

Black_Diamond

That's pretty common with the black waffle backing. A few have sprayed it with rubberized coatings, but it's short lived I think. Best bet: replace it. Go to www.snapincarpet.com they have patterns, get the carpet with the grey backing. Great people to work with.

dropout

Same problem here........the "black waffle backing" is dry rotted and makes a mess also sticks to the cockpit floor. My carpet too is in exellent condition except for the backing, all I did was duct tape the back in order from it to keep flaking off. It's been two seasons and all is good.

JoeStang

Hmm, anything I can do to keep the backing last a little longer from brand new? I know replacing the carpet is not a cheap endeavor.

TikiHut2

Maybe it's fine in my bedroom, but carpet seems a bit misplaced on a boat to me. It was the first thing we tore out of our 270. It was a huge mess when it'd get rained on or something spilled and the deck has a really nice non-skid so in about an hour I ditched the carpet, pulled the snaps and placed a dab of matching colored gelcoat in each hole. Now my decks are dryer/cleaner/unstained/lighter/and not falling apart, and my wallet thanked me too.

Just saying that maybe NOT simply replacing it could be an even easier answer.

JoeStang

I've already considered it also, but it is much nicer on your feet. My biggest problem is when our lab goes swimming he brings in what seems like gallons of water with him. If we dont get it mostly dry before calling it a day the next time out it smells like mildew.

I have to pull the carpet out 2-3 times a season to wash and deodorize it. I think this will eventually cause some extra wear & tear on it.

I guess I wonder why they used a rubber backing at all? It seems like it holds the water and some sore of woven fabric that wasnt waterproof would have been a better option.

rmrstlmo

Check out the post below. I applied the rug coating at the beginning of last year. So far it is holding up. http://rinkerboats.vanillaforums.com/discussion/652/rug-backing-repair#latest Ray

Dream_Inn

One thing that works well is to actually pressure wash the carpet once in a while. I do it at least every fall when I put the carpet away. I too like the carpet feel in the cockpit.

Cableguy Greg

I also like the feel of carpet on my feet in the summer. I sent my old carpet back to Rinker and had them pattern it to use the factory stuff to replace it. So far, it has worked out, but I am sure that I will be in the same predicament in a few years.

Babyboomer

I bought Marine Carpet had a local shop pattern it no backing been down 3 years no problem and it dries very fast no more wet carpet the next morning.

Capt Ron

The rubber backing seems to draw up water, making the carpet wetter. My carpet is going to be replaced in the next season so I will go to the local carpet guy and buy a good quality 100% polyester one with no backing. I will get them to put put a border on it and I will install the snaps once back at the boat.

Babyboomer

I used Shaw Marine Carpet the expense is having the piping sewn to the edges but it was still $200. Cheaper then Snap in

BoatAway

i tried the rubber spray (plasti-dip) and it was only so-so. an ok band-aid but didn't last too long and I couldn't get it very thick. it even bled through a bit in one area making a darker spot on the carpet. 

I think my next step is to remove the backing with some kind of metal brush. it'll be a little less soft but like others have said, it'll dry faster.

LaRea

I've tried removing old backing from a small piece of boat carpet.  Don't waste your time.  You'll never get it all off, and it'll only make the problem worse.

But seriously - a longer-lasting backing wouldn't do me any good.  By the time the backing starts to crumble, my carpets are stained with 5 years of red wine and cheez-it crumbs.  I have accepted the fact that nice carpets will cost me $100 per year.  And every time I replace them, the boat feels brand-new again!

Speedracer

I used the black spray Plasti-Dip last season and seems to be holding up.  I don't expect this to last more then 2 seasons.  Instead of spray, you can purchase a larger commercially available 1 Gallon can and use a roller to apply a thicker layer.  This may be less expensive then replacing.

qwikwhip

I just dip the plasti-dip as well. I think it's a good way to get a couple more years out of the carpets. Mine are in marginal shape anyway.

BoatAway

I might try the gallon can since my spray application largely pealed off.

ronaldhughes

I had got help in this case from Nourison Hospitality. They are one the best carpet makers and installers.

ronaldhughes

I had got help in this case from Nourison Hospitality. They are one the best carpet makers and installers.