Flooring Recommendations

[Crazee Frazees]

So I'm suddenly in the market for new flooring on our R5. Someone, who shall remain unnamed but isn't the person writing here , didn't snap down the front section of carpet after taking it out to dry and now it's resting comfortably on the side of the road somewhere hidden from all normal person's view. Anyway....

Looking for recommendations on the type of flooring you prefer:

1. Standard Carpet
2. Sea Grass
3. Gator Step/Sea Dek - Foam padding

I'm questioning whether the Sea Grass gets too hot. I like the look of it, but have seen some complaints on temperature. Also, for the foam flooring, I guess I am not a fan of gluing it down. Is that the only option? Also, does it hold water like a sponge. That's why we had the carpet up. Whatever suggestions you have would be a great help!

Also, having challenges with the screws on our bimini. So far we have lost 2 screws where they just fell out while we were on the water. We since then added lock-tite to the screws and made sure all were secure before we left. After that, one of the main screws securing the bimini to the hull sheered off during transit. Scratched the hell out of the hull. Any ideas on why we are having problems with the bimini? We fold it down when trailering and check the screws in advance.

I swear we aren't idiots (except for not snapping down the damn carpet). Hoping others have experienced similar issues and can help!

Thanks.

[BobRae99]

I have carpet and I'd like a better option. With the bow and cockpit covers, water collects near the aft starboard scupper and soaks the carpet. It takes forever for the rubber backing to dry. I didn't like the feel of the seagrass although Cobalt has a new look (and feel?) for the new R series, so maybe you could look at that? I really like the sea deck material and I think it looks really nice laid out but, I'm told it gets dirty (especially the grey colour) and is not easy to scrub clean. on top of that, to stick it down, Cobalt sands the non-skid off the deck so once you have it installed, it becomes expensive to get it taken up and you have to replace it with the same material.

So, what to do? I'm sticking with the carpet. When my 10-year-old and his friends want to run from the swim platform to the anchor locker to dive in from a high point (repeatedly), I just unsnap the carpet and roll it to the side until they are done. When I leave the boat in the slip, I roll the carpet just forward of the aft walkthrough away from the corner so when it rains, the water that drips in just heads straight down to the bilge.

[Big Block Power]

You can snap the seadek down also. That's how the factory is doing that now except the swim platform. Sea grass and sea dek both get hot. I had to remove my carpet in Missouri the last time I was there. But if you spray your flooring down you will be OK. No Eva doesn't soak up water like a sponge. But it is light and fly away also.
Also this year is been easier to keep clean for some reason.
It cleans super easy.

[akorcovelos]

Personally we don’t mind the carpet, but it does hold water and needs to dry before covering. When it’s time to replace I’ll probably go with seagrass, but I want to see some feedback on the newer snap in foam flooring before making the decision.

[jhnmdahl]

I considered all three and decided on seagrass. Not too hot but doesn’t get soggy, and isn’t too rough on bare feet. My favorite.

[JTinMO]

My carpet is in great shape, but I got tired of the drying time on it. It took days to dry. I went with snap in seagrass instead, and Sea Dek on the swim platform and walk through step. I can honestly say I have no complaints. It works great. I have very light colored seagrass, and in direct sunlight it can get hot. Only first thing when we go out if the seagrass has been in direct sunlight it is uncomfortable in bare feet. I keep a simple spray bottle of water and spray it on the mats, and it's immediately cool. The first time someone gets in the water and then climbs back in the boat, the seagrass is wet and good for all day. I typically have the bimini up and open, so the main area is normally cool regardless. It's a non-issue and I would do it again. Just thinking about it, all this year, after having probably 200 people worth of trips out, not one person has said anything bad about it, or about it being hot. That says something.

[cmattj]

Since I got to be a vagabond and step in multiple Cobalts at Table Rock I’ll leave you with this.

Carpet.. light colored mystery spots and gets hot with nylon blends. No body does a lighter Berber for a reason.

Foam pad or Sea Deck is charming on the feet but will leave foot prints even barefoot.
A sperry can leave a mark that will require scrubbing.

Sea Grass.. Nylon but it doesn’t get dirty so go light.
You can come aboard dripping Wet to pirate drinks and no traces anywhere.

Plus it mirrors carpet when you’re guest going to dinner leave thier flip flops on.

I Loce Sea Grass.! Maybe I’ll put in my house. Hmmmm?

[tgrace98]

I have the Sea Grass on my R7 and then I have the sea deck on the swim platform. To me in the boat sea grass all the way. I seriously just have to remove it, put some spray and wash on it and spray it off with a hose and its brand new again. Dries quickly and doesn't show dirt and stains.

I like the Sea deck material but it is so painful to keep clean. I would never do an entire boat in it.

[Crazee Frazees]

Thanks all. Looks like Sea Grass is the winner so far. Appreciate the feedback.

Anyone have thought on our bimini challenges. So far we have lost 2 screws where they just fell out while we were on the water. We since then added lock-tite to the screws and made sure all were secure before we left. After that, one of the main screws securing the bimini to the hull sheered off during transit. Scratched the hell out of the hull. Any ideas on why we are having problems with the bimini? We fold it down when trailering and check the screws in advance.

[Big Block Power]

I had loose nuts too. Part of boating. Yep lock tight then up and check them. I tightened every screw on my rub rail too. Everything comes loose with age

[cmattj]

I had loose nuts too. Part of boating. Yep lock tight then up and check them. I tightened every screw on my rub rail too. Everything comes loose with age

Check your trailer tires for balance and possibly separation.
It will send shockwaves though a boat and loosen everything.

[Crazee Frazees]

I had loose nuts too. Part of boating. Yep lock tight then up and check them. I tightened every screw on my rub rail too. Everything comes loose with age

Check your trailer tires for balance and possibly separation.
It will send shockwaves though a boat and loosen everything.

I think my husband just drives like a lunatic..... He drives trucks and trailers for our excavation business every day, so trailering a boat feels like nothing.

Ok, I will just add the checking the "loose nuts" before every trip. Hubby should be happy about me checking nuts before boating!

[rabiddawg]

That loose nut behind the wheel may need tightening!

[Big Block Power]

I had loose nuts too. Part of boating. Yep lock tight then up and check them. I tightened every screw on my rub rail too. Everything comes loose with age

Check your trailer tires for balance and possibly separation.
It will send shockwaves though a boat and loosen everything.

I think my husband just drives like a lunatic..... He drives trucks and trailers for our excavation business every day, so trailering a boat feels like nothing.

Ok, I will just add the checking the "loose nuts" before every trip. Hubby should be happy about me checking nuts before boating!

I'm happy once a year on my bday for that very reason. Welcome aboard

[Snowman73]

Check your trailer tires for balance and possibly separation.
It will send shockwaves though a boat and loosen everything.

I think my husband just drives like a lunatic..... He drives trucks and trailers for our excavation business every day, so trailering a boat feels like nothing.

Ok, I will just add the checking the "loose nuts" before every trip. Hubby should be happy about me checking nuts before boating!

I'm happy once a year on my bday for that very reason. Welcome aboard

I should go back and check my “once a year” contract.