I am looking at a 14' aluminum boat. The problem is that it has factory carpet on the floor, sides and console. I have heard that carpet does not last west of the mountains, that it rots and rots the marine plywood underneath. Any one have experience with this and how long does it last before rotting? thanks

If you store the boat inside, so the carpet can dry out, I wouldn't worry about it. So the question is, what did the previous owner do? If the boat was stored in a garage, or under a carport, I think you'd be fine.

The carpet won't rot, unless the manufacturer installed a non-marine carpet, which would be pretty lame. The carpet can wear out, stain, and rip, but it won't rot.

As for what's underneath, yes, the carpet will hold water and retard the drying out of whatever is underneath, so you should find out what's under there. If it's not gelcoated plywood, or at least pressure-treated plywood, you need to look very closely at certain areas -- transom corners, under the batteries, cutouts for hatches, anywhere that screws go into the floor, etc., and convince yourself that the flooring is sound.

Of the three boats I've owned, two had carpet and one had non-skid fiberglass. Ironically, the one all-fiberglass one was the only one that had flooring problems, rotting around one of the hatch cutouts.

Good luck, and regards.

Finegrain

Thanks for the responses. I'll check on what's under the carpet. It's a smokercraft boat so I'm assuming it's quality. The boat was an eastern Wash. boat mostly kept under cover, so no rain, and generally hot weather to dry it out.

After my experiences with Aluminum Diamond Plate flooring I would never mess with carpet and plywood again! I would rip it out and have a qualified shop put in Diamond Plate. You can also do it yourself, it is actually pretty easy!