Best Way to Install Carpet

I think I would do the sides first. On the floor, I dont think it would matter if you start in the front or back. Where ever you start, only glue half of the side, lay your carpet down and you can fold it back. you can then get it cut like you want it. After it is cut like you want it, glue the other half and lay the carpet down.

Most rear sections are 2 piece as there is a lift out section of floor above the packing. This actually can make working from the front and then each tail piece easier. Cut carpet a little bit generous and trim again when your in the boat. Save the rubber trim between the sides and floor. It trims it out nicely.

If you have the old carpet, use it as a template. Cut it a few inches big in all directions- you'll never get it perfectly straight and you'll need that wiggle room later.

Do the walls first. Keeping glue off the floor is a tough task- cleaning bare fibgerglass is easier than fresh carpet (were you to do the floor carpet first). Once the walls are dry (overnight) then trim the wall/floor edge. Then commence with the floor. Lay the whole thing out, then roll it back to the middle. Glue from the middle towards each end. It doesnt matter if you do the front or back first. I highly recommend a roller. Once the floor is down and dry, then trim the floor/wall edge again.

I dont think you would have rubber trim in a late 70's boat, but there are are some good eneral tips in this thread: Carpet replacement

Use latex or vinyl gloves. Replace them every time you apply glue before putting your hands on the "nice" side of the carpet. Keep a a clean rag and acetone around for when you inevitably get glue on the top side. Its much easier to remove the glue when its still wet! For all carpet trimming, get yourself a dedicated carpet knife and replace the blades OFTEN. Otherwise you'll snag and leave a jagged cut. Once youre done, touch up all exposed edges of the carpet (like around the bilge) with a lighter- a real slight melting of the edge will keep it from running.

Great info. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks to all!

Don't forget to install the motor first, so you have something as big as a whale turd to work around while you are trying to keep the sticky stuff where it's supposed to be. I just want someone else to make that mistake, too!

Yeah Pete, but 1/2 your boat is engine cover. No fair.