Cockpit flooring...DIY??

Njlarry

Well-Known Member
May 9, 2021
637
Rock Hall, MD. Chesapeake bay
Boat Info
2000 400 DB
AT LAST
Engines
Cat 3126
Have decided on Corinthian Aquamat vinyl flooring for the cockpit in our 400 Sedan Bridge. The cockpit has one hatch in the middle which should be a separate piece from the rest. Should we try this ourselves or hire it out? We found a person in our area who was recommend but she has been very slow returning calls while the template kit the company sent seems straight forward and they promise a two week turnaround time. Other than maybe the hatch it seems easy enough. On the other hand the increased cost and wait time of the pro is worth it if the job turns out that much better.
Curious what others have experienced.
 
You will need a heavy duty sewing machine if you want a binding on the edges.
 
Twice we have done our own template and sent it to Corinthian and our carpet has come back perfect! Go to HD and buy the thickest plastic they have. Take a sharpie and trace the outlines. Cut the pieces up with scissors and test fit and adjust. It will come back to you exactly like your template.

Bennett
 
Have decided on Corinthian Aquamat vinyl flooring for the cockpit in our 400 Sedan Bridge. The cockpit has one hatch in the middle which should be a separate piece from the rest. Should we try this ourselves or hire it out? We found a person in our area who was recommend but she has been very slow returning calls while the template kit the company sent seems straight forward and they promise a two week turnaround time. Other than maybe the hatch it seems easy enough. On the other hand the increased cost and wait time of the pro is worth it if the job turns out that much better.
Curious what others have experienced.

Creating the template is pretty straight forward. I used strapping tape on the deck (this simply makes cleanup easier) and then basting tape (double sided tape) on top of that. This is to hold the materials down. Slowly trim the template materials until you can get a nice flat fit. Then just trace your outline. If you are planning on a teak (or any repeating) pattern it is very important to create a alignment line between any of the separate mats so that the pattern can be aligned during the cutting process - also mark you panels to know the direction.

If you have any questions please let me know and I should also note that we have taken on the Corinthian Marine line this year and we are dealers for them. If you are interested in ordering I would be happy to assist. Costs will be dependent upon the size of the template and the material required.

I should also note that should you decide to contract out the template process I would look for someone who can handle the process digitally and then just transfer the cut files for processing.

One last thing to think about with Corinthian is the type of edge binding you choose. The do have a couple of options and colors available for your selection.

-Kevin
 
I did mine myself. Look at the Corinthian site and find their clearance deals on remnant rolls. I was able to buy rolls the length I needed to do the individual sections so I had very little waste. I have a machine so I put my own binding on but you can find a local carpet shop to do it. I used any extra material to make mats for the heads and also made 18 inch rounds to place on the dock to wind up the bitter ends of my dock lines to avoid splinters from the wood planks.
 
There is just something about doing certain work on your own boat that gives satisfaction every time you step aboard, and the flooring is one of them.
Take your time and DIY, you’ll be happy and always admire the sweat equity, good luck.
 
There is just something about doing certain work on your own boat that gives satisfaction every time you step aboard, and the flooring is one of them.
Take your time and DIY, you’ll be happy and always admire the sweat equity, good luck.

Factory carpet tends to leave gaps around edges for dirt to collect. I have always made it “wall to wall” to eliminate that. I also like removing the male snap stud from the floor, filling the hole, and using velcro to hold it in place. Corinthian sews in the velcro to the back of the carpet. Just a cleaner look to me.

Bennett
 

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