moosehead
New Member
Not sure, if they are traditional snaps, then presume they could be drilled out with a small bit and either leave open or fill the deck holes and lay down the HT. Are they otherwise real studs or posts? Can you post a photo?
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Carpet vs. Hydro-Turf
- Thread starter timhood
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Not sure, if they are traditional snaps, then presume they could be drilled out with a small bit and either leave open or fill the deck holes and lay down the HT. Are they otherwise real studs or posts? Can you post a photo?
I recently completed the Hydro-Turf installation on my 180 Challenger. I ended up choosing the dark grey after getting a sample of the light grey and deciding it looked to "green". It probably would be OK if I hadn't compared it with the carpet. The light grey is closer in lightness to the existing carpet, but I think the dark grey works. I would get a sample of the blue, light and dark grey and then decide. People have said that the brighter colors fade, so beware of that. I'm sure it won't happen in a couple of months.
Anyway, as far as installation goes… I started by removing the carpet. Then I thoroughly cleaned the floor. Next, I removed the snap studs for the carpet using a common phillips screwdriver. They just screw out like a regular sheet metal screws. In my boat, there were 4 studs that weren't going to be covered by the Hydro-Turf, so I left them in. I felt it was better than having a hole. The two that weren't going to be covered are the two in the front of the boat, just past the floor storage and the two at aft-most part of the boat near the small cover/hatch (the innermost snaps, not the ones near the sides of the boat).
After removing the snaps, I put a dab of clear silicon caulk over the hole and used a plastic putty knife to fill the hole and scrape off the excess. I then laid out the pieces where they go to make sure I put the right ones in the correct spot. (The small pad that covers the step you use to enter the boat is almost the same size and shape as the foot rests for the captains chairs. You have to look carefully to make sure you use the right piece.)
I then worked from the front of the boat back. I bought the kit that has the 3M pressure-sensitive adhesive on advice of basically everyone on this forum that has Hydro-Turf. It's great, because you can lay down a piece gently, and if it isn't lined up quite right, you can pick it up and try again. And again.
I found that the textured parts of the floor make good guides for where to install the pieces. Once I was satisfied with the location, I smoothed out the piece, first with my hands, then I used a laminate roller (available at Home Depot or Lowe's) to apply heavy pressure for a good stick, working from the inside toward the edges to avoid trapping any air bubbles. A quick test trying to peel up the edges let me know if I got it down well.
If you decide to go for just the swim platform and you choose dark grey, let me know--I happen to have an extra. If you want to see pictures, I can take some and post them.
Anyway, as far as installation goes… I started by removing the carpet. Then I thoroughly cleaned the floor. Next, I removed the snap studs for the carpet using a common phillips screwdriver. They just screw out like a regular sheet metal screws. In my boat, there were 4 studs that weren't going to be covered by the Hydro-Turf, so I left them in. I felt it was better than having a hole. The two that weren't going to be covered are the two in the front of the boat, just past the floor storage and the two at aft-most part of the boat near the small cover/hatch (the innermost snaps, not the ones near the sides of the boat).
After removing the snaps, I put a dab of clear silicon caulk over the hole and used a plastic putty knife to fill the hole and scrape off the excess. I then laid out the pieces where they go to make sure I put the right ones in the correct spot. (The small pad that covers the step you use to enter the boat is almost the same size and shape as the foot rests for the captains chairs. You have to look carefully to make sure you use the right piece.)
I then worked from the front of the boat back. I bought the kit that has the 3M pressure-sensitive adhesive on advice of basically everyone on this forum that has Hydro-Turf. It's great, because you can lay down a piece gently, and if it isn't lined up quite right, you can pick it up and try again. And again.
I found that the textured parts of the floor make good guides for where to install the pieces. Once I was satisfied with the location, I smoothed out the piece, first with my hands, then I used a laminate roller (available at Home Depot or Lowe's) to apply heavy pressure for a good stick, working from the inside toward the edges to avoid trapping any air bubbles. A quick test trying to peel up the edges let me know if I got it down well.
If you decide to go for just the swim platform and you choose dark grey, let me know--I happen to have an extra. If you want to see pictures, I can take some and post them.
moosehead
New Member
+1 to Timhood's comments. Great combo of form and function.
Timhood, presume you weren't bothered by remainder or filled holes in deck from snaps - they either are covered by HT or are smalll enough to be invisible? Either way, any deck water would just seep through to the bilge, no?
I had similar hugely positive install and satisfaction experience with HT per earlier thread, also shows Royal Blue photos: http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=32555
Timhood, presume you weren't bothered by remainder or filled holes in deck from snaps - they either are covered by HT or are smalll enough to be invisible? Either way, any deck water would just seep through to the bilge, no?
I had similar hugely positive install and satisfaction experience with HT per earlier thread, also shows Royal Blue photos: http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=32555
I took out all of the snaps that would be covered by the Hydro-Turf. That was all but four in my 180 Challenger. The four that weren't covered, I just left in because I figured the snaps looked better than the holes.
I have some white gelcoat, so the next time I need it for something else, I'll probably take out the four remaining snaps and fill in those holes with gelcoat for a more finished look.
The holes left when taking out the snaps are no more than 1/4". As I filled mine with silicone, water that gets in the boat should only drain from the rear drain on the starboard side, or down through the ski locker. Considering there was no sealer under the snaps, I figure it's probably even more water-tight than when the snaps were in.
I have some white gelcoat, so the next time I need it for something else, I'll probably take out the four remaining snaps and fill in those holes with gelcoat for a more finished look.
The holes left when taking out the snaps are no more than 1/4". As I filled mine with silicone, water that gets in the boat should only drain from the rear drain on the starboard side, or down through the ski locker. Considering there was no sealer under the snaps, I figure it's probably even more water-tight than when the snaps were in.
WAJetboating
Member
One caveat: I've just discovered (last night) that HydroTurf does not like surface heat. I was out on Canadian Goose Patrol after dark (suckers are absolutely ruining our beaches and docks with their seemingly infinite poop) and using a handheld spotlight that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket. Rather than turn it off every time, I just placed it face down on the deck - right on some HydroTurf. When I picked it up after a minute or so, I noticed that the surface where I'd set the light is now slightly melted/bubbled. It's physically altered and cannot be "cleaned" away.
Not a huge deal, and easy to avoid, but just be aware!
Not a huge deal, and easy to avoid, but just be aware!
truthbetold
New Member
I have a 2004 Sportster with 4 tech 155 h.p. in yellow and white and was wondering if anybody used the hydroturf on a similar boat. I would love to see pics of the color you picked to go with that boat and how it came out. Thanks in advance if you can post those pics!
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