outdoor marine carpeting questions?

greenbuttskunk · 12-30-2003, 02:05 PM

so the new boat has the carpeting on the sides of the boat. This stuff always seemed impractical to me, so I never lloked for a boat with it. can it get wet often and still hold up, does it get meldew and rot. I assume it's made to be wet all the time. Thank god the bottom of the boat is vinyl, I can't imagine cleaning fish slime off of carpet. Any of you guys have the stuff and have an issues I need to worry about.
Thanks,
GBS

Lure Dragger · 12-30-2003, 02:11 PM

I have had two custom weld jet boats. The first one was a 20' that came with the carpet on the sides. I had it for 11 years and when I traded it off it still was in great shape. I used it a lot and it was always getting wet. I have a new 21' now with the same carpet, I don't think you will have any problems.

Pickles · 12-30-2003, 06:30 PM

I also have it on my sides as well as dog house. I have noticed some wear on the dog house, but other then that it looks fine. When the carpet does someday wear out, I will rhino coat the whole thing.

fortywinks · 12-30-2003, 07:55 PM

My boat is 5 1/2 years old with the carpet on the sides and it holds up well. When it's dry I vacuum it once, maybe twice a year and it cleans up very well. I keep a brush handy to wisk of any big fresh gobs of blood/slime, but not anal about it.

One minor aggravation is that it will snag hooks, swivels and the like, but I still like the cushion and sound proofing it gives, so put up with the snagging.

Digifish · 12-30-2003, 08:04 PM

When the carpet gets dirty including mildew, the best way to clean it is with a power washer. You wont believe how well it deep cleans and it comes out looking like new if it isn't worn or faded to much. No soap needed. Works great!

Joe Schwab · 12-30-2003, 09:32 PM

I have had it in my 24 Duckworth for 7 years now and it is still in good shape. It was literally soaked with halibut blood and slime in Alaska dozens of times and hosed right out. Every once in a while I pour a box of Baking Soda on it, let it sit and hose it off. The stuff wicks dry overnight if you tilt the boat.

greenbuttskunk · 12-31-2003, 07:24 AM

thanks guys, sound like I will have few problems, and it will be easy on my legs and knees when I'm raking in the springers.
GBS