A few questions about carpet installation.

[beckleybassfanatic]

I am planning a winter project or recarpeting my 2004 Stratos 285...Once I get the old carpet off do I need to prep the floor as in sanding the old glue off or any type of cleaning to make sure the new carpet sticks good?.....Is there a brand or type of glue that anybody prefers?..I love to do things right the first time, lol...Is there a brand of carpet that stands out?...Also, where do I purchase the black trim at?...It's the trim that covers where the carpet meets the sides of the boat...Looks like it is pop-riveted down....Looks like its maybe a 1/2" or 3/4" wide....Thanks for any help!

[Dundee Mike]

Yes, you need to prep the decks etc. I use a stripping wheel attachment on my drill, and a drywall knife to scrape. If you go to my web site, and go to the pic gallery in re-carpet section, you can get an idea how clean the deck is. A good quality outdoor carpet glue for the flat surfaces, and contact cement for the compartment edges would be good. The outdoor glue is good because you can move and position the carpet, while the contact cement, once it is down, you can't move the carpet around. I use BassCat carpet, and they carry the rubber molding, and it has an adhesive backing. That runs about $ 1.50 a foot. You have to call Parts and ask for the molding, it is not on their web site...Good Luck

[WarEagle24]

Any tracker boat dealer sells the trim as well. It's the same that's used on the Nitro's and Procraft's. It was $1.50 a foot as well. Be sure and get the plastic end caps as well to really dress it up. You can see it in this pic.

[beckleybassfanatic]

Thanks guys !

[bassnajr]

I am changing my carpets now. Depending on the original glue used, you should be able to tear them off after you get a corner up. I then used MEK (Methtal Ethel Ketone) to remove the carpet remnants and bits of old glue etc. I used a small brush to apply the MEK in small sections, let it settle for a minute, and then used a paint scraper to remove. Then on to the sander. It is easy, but messy and tedious...no wonder people charge over $1000.00 to do this!!
Good luck!!

[beckleybassfanatic]

thanks for the info...