Should I Use Carpet in my Boat?

The weather is beautiful and you want to get the boat ready for a season of fun. In your preparations, one of the top questions we receive is, “should I use carpet in my boat?” There are several pros and cons related to carpeting a boat, so let’s take an in-depth look.

Pros of Using Carpet in my Boat

Carpeting seems to be a popular option for those on a budget. There are plenty of options available on the market in a wide variety of styles and textures. Some of the advantages of using carpet in a boat include:

• Acoustical Properties - Carpet offers a soft step and often dampens sounds, especially when feet are stomping around on the deck. Sound dampening is essential if you are waiting for the next catch.
• Traction - Carpeting offers traction so you don’t have to worry about slipping. This is true even if your feet are wet.
• Soft Feel – Some people opt to use carpeting because it gives the feel of a living room while on the water.

Cons of Using Carpet in my Boat

There are some significant disadvantages to using carpeting in a boat, and they can’t be ignored.

• Metal Rivets – some styles use metal rivets or snaps as a fastening system. When these get hot, they can burn your foot when you step on them. This isn’t safe if kids will be in the boat with you.
• Sand, Fish and Stains – Do we really need to say more! You may want the living room feel in your boat, but think of what happens inside your vessel. That carpet will absorb EVERYTHING. We are talking sand, dirt, fish guts and more! Even the foods that you eat are going to become an issue.
• Underdeck Rotting – It’s no secret that carpet absorbs water. Because it doesn’t really dry, you are looking at mold and rotting in the plywood below. This creates a dangerous atmosphere as the decking materials begin to weaken and lack support.

There was a time that your only option to a carpeted floor in the boat was vinyl. Thankfully, that’s no longer true as a superior solution has been found.

Avoiding Carpet in my Boat

So now you are wondering, “What do I do so I don’t have to put carpet in my boat?” We’ve got an outstanding solution that’s been tried by numerous boaters nationwide. Use Durabak! That’s right – America’s Navy uses it and so should you. If you need some reasons why, we’ve got them! Durabak is:

• Weather and heat resistant
• UV resistant
• Durable
• Waterproof plus resistant to saltwater
• Non-slip
• Sound dampening
• Impact protective
• Anti-corrosive
• Flexible
• Rust-proof
• Easy to clean

You also won’t have to worry about your floor rotting out and it’s easy to apply, even by a beginner. If you are unsure what the final look would be, check out this video done by Austin at Dream Catcher’s Fishing. https://youtu.be/Q4mzVb_GmSI Your boat deserves the best protection you can give it. Check our Durabak's Marine Paint here. Carpet is simply not the answer. It might be cheaper and fit into your budget, but the cost of repairing the boat later isn’t worth saving a few pennies now. Invest in your boat with the best protection. When you are done that, you should consider using Durabak to paint your boat dock as well. Contact us today so we can show you how to better protect your precious investment.