Transform Your Boat: Seadek Carpet Replacement Project

Boat owners are increasingly turning to SeaDek as a superior alternative to carpet. SeaDek is a closed-cell PE/EVA foam that doesn't absorb water, meaning no mould, mildew, or unpleasant odours. Unlike carpet, it's easy to clean and bonds directly to the boat deck. It's also fully customisable, with a wide range of colours and patterns available. While removing old carpet and installing SeaDek can be a time-consuming process, many boat owners find that the benefits of SeaDek outweigh the costs and effort of installation.

Removing old boat carpet

Step 1: Remove the Old Carpet

Start by pulling up the glued-on carpet from your boat's floor. Use a sharp putty knife to carefully lift the carpet by running the knife across the line where the carpet meets the floor. Work your way across the floor, slowly lifting and removing the old carpet. If your boat has carpet on the vertical surfaces, such as the sides of the seat boxes, you may choose to keep it or replace it with new carpet or textured vinyl. It is not recommended to use SeaDek on the vertical surfaces as it may look out of place.

Step 2: Deal with the Glue

Once the carpet is removed, you will be left with glue residue on the floor. To remove the glue, you can use a wire brush attached to an angle grinder to scrape off the majority of the glue. For any remaining residue, use a solvent like acetone to wipe it clean. This process is time-consuming but necessary for a smooth finish.

Step 3: Prepare the Floor

Before installing the new SeaDek, it is essential to prepare the floor. The carpet may have hidden imperfections, so inspect the floor for any unevenness or rough patches. Use a suitable filler or leveller to smooth out any uneven areas. You can also choose to apply a coating, such as gel, paint, or bed liner, for a fresh and even surface.

Step 4: Address Gaps and Edges

Pay attention to the gaps between removable floor parts, such as the ski locker, and the edges of the compartments. These areas may have uneven edges, so you might want to straighten them out. You can use a sealer or filler to address any gaps and create a smooth transition between the SeaDek and the compartments.

Step 5: Create a Template (Optional)

If you plan to install SeaDek yourself and cannot find a ready-made template for your boat model, you can create a custom template. SeaDek will provide you with clear film that you can use to trace the outline of your boat's floor. Send the template back and forth to SeaDek until you achieve the perfect fit.

By following these steps, you will effectively remove the old boat carpet and prepare the surface for the new SeaDek installation. Remember to take your time and work carefully to ensure a smooth and precise finish.

Sourcing a SeaDek kit

SeaDek is a superior alternative to boat carpet. Its closed-cell PE/EVA foam composition means it doesn't absorb water, preventing mould, mildew, and odours. It's also easy to clean and bonds straight to the boat deck. Plus, it's fully customisable with a range of colours and patterns available.

If you're looking to source a SeaDek kit for your boat, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can check the SeaDek website to see if they have a template for your boat model. If they don't, you can work with them to create a custom template. They will send you clear film that you can use to create your own templates and send back and forth until it's perfect. This process may take some time, but it ensures a perfect fit for your boat.

Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, you can attempt to create your own template. This involves removing the existing carpet and using the clear film provided by SeaDek to trace the shape of your boat's floor. This method may be more cost-effective, but it requires careful measurement and attention to detail to ensure an accurate fit.

Another option is to reach out to local SeaDek Certified Fabricators or Installers who can guide you through the process and ensure a precise fit for your boat. They will have the expertise and experience to create a custom SeaDek kit that suits your specific needs.

Finally, if you're handy and want to tackle the project yourself, you can purchase a SeaDek kit directly from the website or through an authorised dealer. This option allows you to choose from a variety of colours, textures, and sizes to create a unique look for your boat.

Remember, when it comes to sourcing a SeaDek kit, taking the time to ensure accurate measurements and finding the right fit for your boat is crucial. With a range of options available, from custom templates to DIY installations, you can give your boat a fresh new look and enjoy the benefits of SeaDek's superior performance and customisability.

Preparing the boat floor

Before you start, it's important to note that the carpet hides a lot of imperfections. The floor underneath is likely to be raw and uneven, so you'll need to smooth it down and cover it with something like gel, paint, or bed liner. There will also be gaps between the removable floor and ski locker, and the edges on these pieces may not be straight, so you may want to straighten them out.

To remove the old carpet, start by using a sharp putty knife to lift the carpet. Run the knife across the line where the carpet meets the floor and lift it up as you go. Once the carpet is removed, you'll need to get rid of any residual glue. On aluminium lids, you can use a wire brush on an angle grinder, followed by acetone to wipe away any remaining residue. For fibreglass, use a window scraper razor blade to remove the bulk of the glue, then acetone to finish the job.

If you plan to keep some carpeted areas, such as the vertical surfaces, consider using the same weight carpet to ensure a consistent look and feel. You could also replace these areas with new carpet or textured vinyl. However, it is not recommended to use vinyl on carpeted hatch lids as it may not provide the same level of durability.

Once the floor is prepared, you can move on to installing the SeaDek.

Installing the SeaDek

Before installing SeaDek, it is important to prepare the surface of your boat by removing any old carpet or glue residue. To remove glue, you can use a wire brush on an angle grinder and then wipe away any remaining residue with acetone. For fiberglass surfaces, a window scraper razor blade can be used to remove heavy glue followed by acetone for residue removal.

Once the surface is clean and dry, you can begin installing the SeaDek. If you are using a custom SeaDek kit, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. They will send you clear film to layout on the floor and create your templates. This process may involve several back-and-forth communications to ensure a perfect fit.

If you are using SeaDek sheets, start by cleaning the floor with a mild solution of vinegar and water, allowing it to dry completely before proceeding. Then, you can simply peel and stick the SeaDek material to the desired areas.

When applying SeaDek, consider the coverage area and any gaps that may be present, especially around removable floor compartments and ski lockers. You may need to fill in any rough areas or imperfections in the underlying surface with gel, paint, or bed liner. It is also important to decide how to treat the walls and vertical surfaces of your boat. Some people choose to keep the existing carpet on these areas, while others opt for new carpet, textured vinyl, or gelcoat resin.

Overall, installing SeaDek is a straightforward process that can greatly improve the aesthetics and functionality of your boat's flooring.

Finishing touches

Once you have removed the old carpet and cleaned the surface, you can start thinking about the finishing touches to your new SeaDek flooring.

Firstly, consider the colour and design of your SeaDek. SeaDek is completely customisable, so you can choose from a range of colours and patterns to create a unique look for your boat. You can also add other features, such as custom logos or designs, to make your boat stand out.

If you are happy with the existing layout of your boat, you can simply replace the carpet with SeaDek, using a custom kit or by cutting and fitting the SeaDek yourself. However, some people choose to use the opportunity of removing the old carpet to make changes to the layout of their boat. For example, you might want to enlarge the lids or compartments to offset any gaps that may appear once the carpet is removed.

Finally, consider the edges and corners of your boat. You may need to add a strip of SeaDek where the carpet overhangs the deck, or you might prefer to paint these areas for a neat finish. If your boat has vertical surfaces that were previously carpeted, you can choose to keep the existing carpet, replace it with new carpet, or opt for textured vinyl or gelcoat resin.

With a bit of planning and customisation, you can create a stylish and functional finish to your boat with SeaDek flooring.

Frequently asked questions