Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I searched the archives for a copy of the carpet diagram posted by a member a while ago. I did find several references and a few small thumbnails (too small to make out). Anybody have a copy of the large size diagram??
Since the floor is not exactly linear, I would make a template out of rolled paper then cut the carpet based on that. This is what I did on my initial carpet installation. Later on when I changed out my carpet, I simply used the old carpet as the template for the new one.
I have the traditional interior with the uneven floor. When I bought carpet (Recess didn't have any) I measured maximum length and width, rounded each up to the next foot and bought that amount at a regular carpet store. The roll length covered the max length easily so all I needed to buy was the width length. Took the piece to the boat and cut with a razor knife as I laid it out, starting at the bulkhead between the main cabin and the head. It worked out well, and I was able to cut out openings around the base of the ladder, too, which helps to keep the carpet from sliding.
Our sole is bare because we like it like that. Seriously. Carpet gets wet, holds moisture, encourages growth of spiders and may cause shortness of breath and heart palipitations. besides, a bare floor can be wiped, swept, mopped etc. I don't know how you would get a carpet cleaner to fit in the boat. Those guys with the trucks won't even return my calls. Ever tyried to get to the bilge when a carpet is covering it? What about locating a leak - I don't know where it came from but the carpet is wet... Without the carpet you can see the water trail and colour and know whether the kid spilled kool-aid or the water came from under the sink.
If you have chilly foot syndrome in the mornings, I encourage 2 solutions. Slippers.
Other folks I know have throw rugs with rubber backing by the berths.
Our boat came with a nice fitting factory carpet. I removed it and keep it stored in the basement in case we ever sell the boat. The bare sole is easier to keep clean, doesn't get wet and makes it easy to check the bilge if needed.
Now, what I would like is a teak-and-holly floor....
No carpet on my '82, carpet on my '89; loved the carpet! BUT, I was a weekender who slept on the boat a lot, that is when the carpet becomes nice. I had a small shop vac behind the potti who's hose reached all over the cabin. I vacuumed every night before I took my shoes off and it was lovely! If you opt for the carpet the Catalina Parts dept will make it for you cheaper than anywhere else and it will be wonderful, exactly what it should be.
Steve, No, I have not needed to to secure it to the floor; no double sided tape or velcro. I did a pretty tight form fit to the corners and around the companionway ladder legs. So far, it hasn't moved. however, it will pull up easily to get to the bilge access covers. The admiral wanted carpet, so that's what we have!
On our boat, comfort is everything. From the uniform of the day (bathing suits) to our bare feet. Having the carpet down below just adds another level of comfort.
We ordered new carpet from Catalina and sent them the old one for use as a template. The carpet was perfect! However, after decommissioning one year, it came up missing. We traced for a replacvement and sent it to Catalina and it just never fit properly. Why they don't have the templates somewhere still befuddles me.
A good cheap way to make a template is to buy resin paper roll from Home Depot in the tile section. Also, I use this stuff to lay down when doing a painting job around the house.
We keep our carpet in place with several strategically placed gobs of silicone...access to the bilge is not a problem, but the carpet does not slide either.
I used a thin outdoor carpet and secured it with with screws at strategic locations and will now use it as a template for a heavier carpet and add snaps using the existing screw holes. The bilge access covers are exposed. I made cutouts and trimmed the capet down to the backing on the edges so the access covers hold the carpet down, and the same for the keel pivot area cover. Mildew resistant, rubber backed, non skid, and very comfortable on bare feet. Cleaning is easy with a 12v carvac that has a removable power brush head and a cord long enough to vacuum the v-berth($12 @ Wallyworld). Thorough cleaning is ten minutes to remove the carpet and then scrub it in the driveway.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.