Replacing a floor...

I posted this on the discussion re: the Tique, but it's more appropriate here. While I don't anticipate having to replace my floor anytime soon, here is my post:

A comment on restorations....I have been following a few of these since being on the site, and there seems to be a common theme...

CARPET!

Carpet and boats just don't mix and I am wondering the reasons restorers are not putting in a molded fibergla$$ floor, expecailly on these complete ground-up restorations.

When I started researching my "family-boat" purchase, one of the requirements was for a molded gla$$ floor with a 'snap-out-carpet'. I am not sorry for making that decision.

In looking at the excellent quality of work some of you folks have here, I can't believe you're not able to put in a floor like a modern boat.

Unless most are shooting for authenticity, I just don't see the reason to use carpet.

What are your thoughts on this?

thanks

Ditto
carpet is authentic but it is also very durable, easy to clean, takes water well and all around an excellent choice. Even soaking wet, if properly dried between uses it is not a maintenance issue. With a lite vac its ready to go.

I'm with The Dude on that. My skis do not appreciate the floor of my Boston Whaler. The floor of the Whaler is easy to clean fish guts off of, but that is what it was made for.
No guts in the Nautique, please!

JoeinNY wrote: It would be extremely difficult to put in a nice flat non-skid gelcote covered fibergla$$ floor without making a mold and without it looking like crap even for those here with the mad skills.

I bet Scott Peters could do it! ;-)

If you want your old boat to look like a new boat I think you should get the new boat. As a member of the ACBS, non original restorations are not considered restorations and a major point deduction in judged shows. I am a purest and feel every effort should be made to make our boats as original as possible. I also am a owner of a 1954 Super Delux Atom Skier that has won best of show. If you are going to let your boat get that wet maybe the new one should be a Boston Whaler. Pete

I have taken the other approach to the deck. I have built and gla$$ed down a pre molded deck and am non-skidding it. My attitude is I can always carpet it later if I choose to. It did take alot of work but it looks fantastic.
Be skin'ya!
B.J.

I am with the rest of you guys I am sending my boat to have the floor and stringers redone and carpet is the only way to go.

Besides it's something to clean, so you have some place else to be when the wife is upset.

I have never had a reason to shampoo the carpet. No shoes allowed in my boat. Set towels on floor when working on the motor. I just use my shop vac on. Helps take some of the extra water out to. But I am sure one of the guys on this site has advise about shampoo for the carpet.