Quality deck carpet on a boat helps to protect the fiberglass boat deck and cockpit, while providing added comfort for crew and passengers. Unfortunately, deck carpet takes a beating from a marine environment and often has a short lifespan. Exposure to harsh sun and water, combined with typical outdoor wear and tear on a boat, will inevitably result in a need for replacement deck carpet.
When deciding how to replace boat deck carpet, options range from custom fit mail ordering to do-it-yourself outdoor carpet solutions.
Ordering Custom Fit Marine Grade Deck Replacement Carpet
There are many companies that specialize in mail order deck carpet replacement. With careful measuring, ordering replacement carpet online or via the mail is quite easy.
When ordering custom fit deck carpet, a paper measuring kit is first sent to create a template for the size of the boat. The current carpet is laid out on top of the cutting template and the perimeter is traced for a custom fitting. Fitting locations, such as cut-outs for table poles, should be noted.
Style selections that need to be made include:
- Berber or cut pile marine grade carpet
- Carpet color or pattern
- Binding color or style
- Backing (rubber or plain)
- UV or waterproof protection
The cutting template and final deck carpet style and color selections are then returned to the mail order vendor. The replacement boat deck carpet will most likely arrive without snaps or adhesive. Snaps are best installed on the boat for perfect alignment to existing snap counterparts on the boat cockpit and deck. Snap tools are easy to find in any hardware store. If affixing the deck carpet to the boat, be sure to use marine grade adhesive that can withstand sun and heat.
Manufacturer Replacement Options for Boat Deck Carpet
Larger boat manufacturers like Sea Ray or Bayliner have extensive parts and accessories catalogs that make ordering replacements or upgrades very easy.
Ordering replacement deck carpet directly from a boat manufacturer may be expensive when compared to other options, but the quality and fit are more reliable than mail order or do-it-yourself options. Boaters can order the deck carpet for the boat model and year and be guaranteed a perfect fit. Colors and styles will likely match the existing aesthetics of the boat.
Some boat accessory companies also carry a full line of deck carpet options that can be ordered online or via a catalog. For example, pontoon boat accessories are known for their wide availability due to the standard deck layouts and ease of upgrades.
Buying Cut to Fit Marine Grade or Durable Outdoor Carpet
For a boater that is handy with do-it-yourself projects, off the shelf outdoor carpet can be used on boats. This boat deck carpet option is more cost-effective than ordering custom fit carpet, but there is more potential for measuring or installation errors. Most pontoon boat brands and models have a simple deck layout and may be easier for a do-it-yourself deck carpet installation.
After deciding on style (Berber or cut pile) and color selections, purchase marine grade outdoor carpet in large sections to allow for cutting. When replacing deck carpet, lay out the old carpet on top of the new carpet, trace the perimeter, and cut with a switch blade knife. Templates (using cardboard or heavy duty paper) should be created for boats that do not have existing carpet on deck or in the cockpit.
Most large home improvement centers (such as Home Depot or Lowes) carry several low-cost options for outdoor carpet that are also marine grade. Colors and styles will be limited to current inventory or options available at the store.
Extending the LifeSpan of Replacement Boat Deck Carpet
The life span of boat deck carpet is typically five years on average, which is about the same average as bimini boat tops and canvas. Of course, tolerance for worn boat deck carpet varies by individual. With minor repairs and frequent cleanings, boat deck carpet can last up to ten years.
Deck carpet maintenance and care should include:
- Seasonal cleanings
- Prompt spot treatment to stains
- Repair of broken snaps or torn binding
- Protection of carpet with full canvas enclosure of deck and cockpit (if possible)
Boat owners should plan to upgrade deck carpet when preparing to sell a boat to improve the boat resale value. When buying a used boat, most boaters like to see upgraded, clean deck carpet. At the very least, boaters should simply plan to upgrade deck carpet with replacement marine grade deck carpet when their current carpet has reached unacceptable standards.
Diane Seltzer - Diane is a branding, pr and social media marketer with experience ranging from advertising to corporate marketing and consulting.
