For a long time you had an old boat, and she got pretty sea clothes (or a garage was worn). Seats and carpet need to be replaced or repaired, fiberglass requires a new layer of gel, and several options and ends need repair. You need a more modern look, but you certainly don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for a new boat. How about wearing a little old bath? It can be fun, but where to start?
This was only the position in which my husband and I were. We wanted to have access to a decent boat, but we would not use a boat to deserve a new purchase. So, we decided to fix the old one. First, we measured what it takes to get him back in good shape. One of the obvious eyes was the place. Should we replace or repair them? After examining each option, we came to a fairly clear choice - to restore them would cost about $ 400. To replace them with new ones, they would cost about $ 160, so it was not easy. We found places for sale in a well-known sports shop, ordered them and had them for several days.
The next area in which attention was urgently needed was fiberglass. He became dull and faded from the years of the sun and the weather. After researching products that were designed for professionals, it was obvious that there was a lot of work, and the results were small or durable; so we decided to let the professionals restore fiberglass. To get a better deal, we decided to take down the boat before accepting it for evaluation. Seats, carpet, carpet glue, railways, compartment covers and all accessories have been carefully removed. Then we went to the local boat builder. Since we beat the boat, she was ready for repair. Cost - 700 dollars. We saved about $ 200, removing all the “things”. So far, we have invested 860 dollars. (If your boat trailer needs repainting, this is the right time for this).
While the fiberglass was being restored, we set the task to find the carpet, order it and prepare it for installation. Although boat rugs can be found at local carpet stores, home stores or marine accessories, choices are usually very limited, especially in color choices. Since our boat was in brown and bronze tones, our search led us to the Internet to find the color of the carpet, which will complement the colors of the boat. The best choice and the best prices were found in a carpet store in the carpet capital of the world - Dalton, GA. We ordered 20 feet to do the job, but it turned out to be too big, but at least we didn’t manage. The carpet was about 6.00 US dollars per foot. After delivery, we had about 160 dollars per carpet. Now we spent 1020 dollars.
After the fiberglass became shiny again and the boat returned home, we began refitting work. We decided to do it ourselves. It really is not so difficult, just time consuming. Since this is the step that we completed personally, I will detail all the tools, materials and our steps, as well as some of the “secrets” that we learned from trial and error.
Required tools
* Utility knife for carpets and a large number of blades
* Scissors for utilities
* Small clamps, if necessary for the ribs
* Drill by stripping
* Scraper
* Putty knife
* Black marker
* Disposable brushes
* Store vacuum
* Rags, rags, rags
* Large working area
* Mineral spirits or acetone
* A roll of brown wrapping paper
* Yardstick
* Tape measure
materials
* Open latex adhesive - 1 gallon
* Carpet
Steps to re-carpet
* Remove the old carpet, losing the knife with a spatula and pulling from all surfaces. If the carpet resists removal, use acetone or mineral spirits to dissolve the glue.
* After the entire carpet is removed, clean any residual glue from all surfaces. Use a drill and a wiping wheel to remove the bite reminder. Be sure to remove as glue as possible.
* Vacuum boat salon and wipe off.
* Make templates of all the details that will be repainted, placing the covers, etc. On brown paper and swiping around each one, allowing at least an inch to the total area. Remember to include parts such as compartment covers, the additional amount needed to cover the edges, and enough to rotate for a neat appearance.
* For fixed boat sections that require a carpet, use yard roulette and tape measure to determine the size and shape of the area. Draw a picture on paper.
* Measure the floor of the boat and pull the pattern for this area. Tape two paper widths together to make this picture.
* After all the drawings have been made, set each one in the correct position in the boat and mark it with the “up” arrow to indicate the direction that the grain of the carpet should face. Failure to lay all parts of the carpet with the correct direction of the grain will result in the carpet becoming a different shade.
* Spread the patterns on the carpet, making sure that each piece is properly positioned with the grain of the carpet. Cut out every part with heavy scissors.
* Using disposable brushes, widely apply glue to the first surface to be coated. Arrange a piece of carpet with the correct grit line. From the center, smooth the edges. If the piece has an edge and lip, make sure the wrap is smooth. If necessary, it is safe to turn under the sections with clips until dry.
* For the floor of the boat, generously spread the area near the center with glue and work along the edges. Once the carpet is in place, press and rub into place, making sure all the wrinkles are missing. Trim the edges with a scissors or knife.
* After all carpet surfaces have dried for at least 24 hours, replace all covers, seats, trim and accessories.
As part of the recovery and upgrade process, you should definitely check all the batteries, service the outboard motor, and check the trolling engine and fish finder. Make sure your boat lights work as well as the lights on your boat trailer. If your bilge pumps need to be replaced, do it before taking it. After all together, all the components work, and your boat looks like new, take it out and enjoy the beauty and excitement of a cruise on water and find this special place where the fish bites. The total cost of our project - about $ 1,200 - is not bad in order to turn the thorn into a beautiful vessel.
