Thanks to all you guys for all the very helpful and useful comments. I'd not thought about roof linings, don't know why not, it's a bit obvious really when you think about it! I'll be taking out the windows to replace the slides and seals so it would seem it's best to do the head lining at the same time to get a neat finish around the windows when the frames go back in. The plan is to do this after autumn so she will be ready for next year (Is that laughter I can hear from you who know better?)
If you want to remove the carpet and get the gel coat clean them try plain old simple Vim. I have yet to find anything better at cleaning gel coat and it does not damage it as long as you use a soft cloth. It leaves a slight white residue. Just use soapy water to rinse.
I have recently used van liner from Mega Van mats in my Shetland to carpet the sides. It is tough and a great finish. Using a lining carpet will seriously reduce condensation in the cabin.
I'm also currently insulating the cabin with 12mm Armaflex foam. It's very expensive but will mean I can use the boat much more in the winter.
Good luck
Billy
Shetland Black Prince -Fizzy - Worcestershire Avon (Formerly owned a Norman 20)
The original vim is also good for glazed up cylinders on an old smokey engine, chuck a spoonfull into the air intake with a bit of load on and it roughs up the bores nicely, don't do it often though, and best before an oil change just in case it gets past the rings....
Intrested to see Billy using Armaflex to insulate cost of the stuff will double the value of the boat! As an alternative I used carry mats from Go Outdoors. Hikers and campers use them in tents to insulate the sleeping bag from the ground. Hi-Tech do 2 thicknesses 8mm (blue) and 10mm (dark green) 1.8m long by .7m wide if memory serves. Nice to work with I used 10mm against the hull in the rear cabin (the rear bunk areas of my Conquest) then refitted the vynal covered board liners, 8mm went over the single skin area below the windows. Also used 2 layers of 10mm under the bow deck area which previously produced loads of condensation. That along with vehicle carpet lining the front cabin hull sides and foot well area has made an astonishing difference. I stayed on board several times over the winter whilst it was still on the trailer and now its on the river the benefits are really paying off.
I carpeted a section of the boat yesterday using the Arctic Blue velour lining carpet I bought from Mega van mats and high temperature spray glue.
This is my fourth boat and I've always used different types of carpet before. The carpet I'm using now is actually Marine proof. I can hands down day this is the best carpet I've ever worked with and a great extremely tough finish. It's so good I'm even going to email the company. I would highly recommend it to anyone re-carpeting a boat.
Ken, good to hear from someone else who has successfully insulated a boat with great results. I don't know why more people don't do it? Probably the cost
Regards Billy
Shetland Black Prince -Fizzy - Worcestershire Avon (Formerly owned a Norman 20)
Fully carpeted Norman?
Posted - 23 May 2013 : 20:58:40
