Outdoor Carpet vs Marine Carpet

[MainelyBass88]

Hey everybody! I recently bought my first bass boat ('96 Javelin 369), and am in the process of replacing the carpet. While doing some research on the subject, I came across some people saying that they used outdoor carpet from Home Depot or Lowe's, instead of marine carpet. Have any of you ever done this? I don't mind spending the extra money for the marine carpet, but if Home Depot could as good a job as Cabela's, then might as well just do that! 

Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 

[Chris186]

My first boat I got outdoor carpet from Home Depot. It was good stuff, had it on there for 10 years until I sold the boat. My next boat I got Outdoor carpet from lowes, and the first time it rained it was like a skating rink. After that it wasn't bad. I replaced some of it with carpet from cabelas which is much better. For me, it's worth the extra for marine carpet, thats my experience anyway.

[WIGuide]

If I remember correctly, marine carpet is available in different weights. The higher the oz. the thicker and more plush the carpet is. I couldn't find any ratings for outdoor carpet though.I believe marine carpet will be more plush in general and that's what I'd go with if/when I redo mine. I do know outdoor carpet will hold up as I've used it on bunks for a small boat before, but other than that I'm not sure what the difference is. 

[jerzeeD]

I have had beige outdoor Home Depot carpet in my boat for 6 years with no issues. It has seen a pretty good amount of inclement weather too.

[webertime]

Marine carpet isn't loops like indoor/outdoor is.  So snagging a hook won't damage it all that much.  If you shop around there are places that sell 20ft of 16oz for ~$125 and it's very good quality.

[J._Bricker]

MainlyBass88, marine carpet would be a wise choice. And as mention above, marine carpet does come in different weights.  The heavier the weight, the thicker the carpet and how it will wear over time (think years).  The heavier weight also helps keep compartment lids closed snug, and IMO make for a more comfortable day on the water.   Ranger uses 24oz carpet for their boats and I know other boat manufacturers (Basscat come to mind) use heavier grade carpet as well.  I just had my original carpet replaced after 12 years, and the shop got the carpet directly from Ranger.  If you are able, compare the different carpet weights and I'm sure you will see the difference.

I attached a couple photos of the carpet that I've fished on a couple of days.  Good fishing, JB 

[mhtranger]

I just ordered my carpet today from Bassboatseat.com and I got 20oz 8.5' ft x 25' cost me $314 so it is not cheap but don't want to replace it again. Also have all the other things you will need like the glue if you wanted to get it at the same time. Plus they will send you samples of the weights and colors for free.

[Slade House]

At least your not doing an aluminum boat recarpet.     for your boat go with the 24 oz carpet .  here is a few things you will need if you want to get it done quick . some of this may apply to aluminum.  

1.  Angle Grinder 4.5 inch with some 36 grit flap wheels and a polycarbide wheel ( I've tried out 4 or 5 different angle grinders and i gotta say the bosch makes the best one) . 

2.  an osicilatting tool with a scraper attachment (super awesome for taking off the glue )

3.  Jasco Paint remover -lowes carries it- don't use goo off or anything else, this stuff is the best. 

4. .  lots of big clamps 

 

best fastest way i found the remove the glue is to spray or brush on some Jasco paint remover, let it sit for 15 minutes and then use the oscialting tool with the scraper to remove the glue and it comes right up. then use the angle grinder to remove any glue thats left.  thats the hardest part.  

at least you don't have a bass tracker which mine is in a million pieces right now removing all the glue