The Best Boat Carpets

Bare boat floors are boring! Not to mention, they are slippery. Accidents are common when there is insufficient traction. The best boat carpet offers a promising solution! It is an instant way to elevate the interior while also improving safety.

Choosing carpets for boats, however, isn’t easy. From the material to design, color to size, you need to consider several factors. Go beyond price as you evaluate the alternatives. I’d rather emphasize quality, even if it means spending more!

Need help choosing the right marine carpet? Read on and learn from some of my recommendations in this buying guide.

Best Marine Carpet Reviews

1. BasCar 32-ounce Boat Carpet

A high-quality pontoon carpet does not need to cost a fortune. This product is proof that even without a huge budget, you can enjoy decent quality. It is available in different colors, including burgundy, jasmine, granite, and sand, allowing you to choose one that matches your boat’s interior.

A common problem in inferior marine carpets is that they move a lot. Luckily, this carpet is not one of those. Thanks to its rubber backing, it remains in its position after gluing it down on the floor. Rubber has good adhesion on different flooring materials, helping keep the carpet stable.

I also love how it works even in an inflatable boat deck. Instead of glue, use contact cement. This is an adhesive that allows instant and permanent bond after application on the floor and the back of the carpet.

Upon purchase of this carpet for pontoon boats, you will receive a carpet knife and extra blades. This makes it easier to cut the carpet as necessary depending on the size and shape of boats. To simplify cutting, I recommend that you use a template made of heavy cardboard and follow it when trimming the carpet.

No need to worry about fitting the carpet either! The company provides a comprehensive installation manual. I was able to assemble the carpet in a jiffy! I also like how the surface does not have wrinkles, so I did not need to waste effort flattening it out.

2. Marine Carpeting 8’x20’ Boat Carpet

Looking for the best boat carpet replacement? This 20-ounce carpet instantly refreshes the appearance of any boat! It comes with a carpet knife and extra blade, which you can use for cutting the carpet depending on the needed size.

What I like the most about this carpet is its UV-stabilized construction. Whether you use it as a pontoon or bass boat carpet, it has exceptional protection from the harsh heat of the sun and UV rays. The colors do not easily fade. In fact, they continue to stand out even after years of use!

To add, I also love the straightforward installation of this boat carpeting. Save money by installing the carpet on your own instead of hiring services. It is easy to cut and lay! The manufacturer provides a comprehensive installation manual. Aside from having detailed instructions, it was written hilariously!

Walking on the boat does not have to be painful on your feet. It feels a burden at times when the floor is too hard. When you carpet your boat with this product, however, you will enjoy exceptional underfoot cushioning. Step on and do not fear! Even on a hot day, the carpet’s surface remains cool.

3. House, Home, and More Carpet

While it isn’t specifically for marine environments, this indoor and outdoor carpet promises exceptional performance even on boats. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is on a tight budget.

Like many of the boat carpet replacement options, this product is easy to work with. Even if you have no experience, you will love the easy installation. It is lightweight and thin, so there’s no need to exert a lot of effort when handling the carpet during its assembly and trimming.

Even after a long time of use, this carpet stays in shape. One of the reasons for its durability is the design of the edges. While they are unbound, they won’t easily fray. To add, this rubber-backed marine carpet handles marine environments. It is also fade-resistant, so you can expect it to maintain its true color even after years of use.

I used several boat carpets in the past that do not easily lay flat upon installation. Good thing, this isn’t one of those. With the use of the right boat carpet glue or staple, it is easy for the carpet to be level and even on the boat floor. This also prevents it from being a safety hazard as it minimizes the possibility of tripping.

4. Bry-Tech Aqua Turf Carpet

If you are looking for an affordable marine carpet for boats, this is another product I can recommend. Cheap is one word that I can use only to refer to its price but never on its quality. Despite being economical, it packs plenty of features that make this a great pick for an indoor and outdoor carpet.

Among others, I admire this carpet because it is made of 100% Olefin. In a Lancer Marine carpet review that I have recently read, olefin or polypropylene construction was praised because it is fade and stain-resistant. Even with UV exposure, I am happy with how it retains its true color through the years. The material also fights static electricity, making the carpet non-conductive.

The latex backing is another notable feature of this pontoon boat carpet. It resists water, gas, and oil, assuring its durability even after a long time of use. Latex is a good material to improve pile anchorage, holding the fibers firmly to ensure longevity.

It is also worth noting that this is a non-pilling carpet, which prevents it from looking messy. Also called fuzzing, pilling is the formation of small fluff balls on the top, which results from loosening and tangling fibers.

Boat carpeting easily gets wet, especially when it is on the deck. I love how this product has low water retention. It is hydrophobic, allowing it to dry quicker. This also allows the glue to have more powerful adhesion.

5. Marine Carpeting 8’x10’ Boat Carpet

This is similar to the third product I reviewed in this guide. This is also a 20-ounce indoor and outdoor carpet, but the main difference is that it is smaller. You can choose the desired carpet color, including black, charcoal, graphite, hunter green, silver blue, and teal. For the size, this is the smallest at 8’x10’, but you can also go as large as 8’x30’.

I highly recommend this for boat owners who are looking for maximum comfort. It has an exceptional cushioning that provides a soft surface where you can walk on. Even when you are barefoot, you won’t complain about how hard the floor is. Likewise, it does not get too hot even with exposure to harsh heat.

More so, it uses UV-stabilized polypropylene as the main material. It ensures durability while also preventing the carpet color from staining. Underneath the fibers of this pontoon carpet, there is a rubber backing for easy glue-down application.

This option for the bass boat carpet comes with a carpet knife and extra blades. Use the knife for cutting the carpet based on the size and shape that you need. After cutting the carpet, the installation manual provides comprehensive instructions to complete the assembly. I appreciate how they inject humor while describing detailed steps.

6. BasCar 28-oz Pontoon Boat Carpet

Looking for the most valuable carpets? It is hard to go wrong with this product! It is available in different colors and sizes to suit your boat. It also has exceptional rubber-backed construction. It is soft and flexible, making the installation a breeze. It is easy to glue the backing on different floor surfaces, especially in an aluminum boat.

Because it is rubber-backed, I also like how this indoor-outdoor pontoon carpet can easily bend on the sides. This is unlike others that are too thick and firm. It contours to the shape of the floor, making it easy to lay the carpet based on the outline of the floor.

If you need to cut this pontoon carpet to suit your size requirements, doing so is easy. You will receive a free knife with a blade. Cut the carpet carefully to prevent the edges from fraying. Otherwise, the carpet will easily disintegrate.

Worried of color discrepancies? Lucky for you, they send out free samples! Reach their customer service representatives through email. Provide your name, mailing address, and desired color.

7. Restore Pontoon Outdoor Marine Carpet

From pontoon boats to bass boats, this is another carpet worth considering! DIY enthusiasts will love how effortless the installation is! This replacement boat carpet is easy to glue. Take note, however, that this isn’t for snap-in carpet application.

This marine carpet for fishing boat not only elevates aesthetics but also protects the floor. Because it is rubber-backed, it shields the flooring as it prevents water from leaching. This also stops the formation of mold and mildew. In turn, it eliminates unwanted odor in the carpet while also getting rid of allergens.

While this pontoon boat carpet has a pre-cut size of 6 x 16 feet, you can easily trim it to suit your specifications. Gladly, it is pliable! With its flexibility, cutting is effortless using a sharp carpet knife or a pair of scissors. This allows the creation of a custom boat carpet depending on the floor’s surface area.

The 3-year warranty that the manufacturer offers is another good reason to pick this carpet. If there’s any problem, get in touch through phone or email and their customer service representatives will extend a helping hand.

8. House, Home, and More 6’x10’ Carpet

This indoor and outdoor carpet is designed to withstand weather conditions. Thanks to its backing, it is durable even with exposure to rain and sun, among other elements that can speed up wear. Not to mention, even UV rays will not fade its color.

The carpet is made of olefin fiber, which is known for its wool-like appearance. It may not be as durable as its synthetic counterparts, but what I love the most about olefin is that it is mold, mildew, and stain-resistant. Aside from preventing allergens, it also eliminates foul odor, which otherwise would have been common in carpets that are often wet.

One more thing that I love about this carpet is its low pile height. In a replacement boat carpet, shorter is not only stronger, but also easier to clean. Whether sweeping or vacuuming, I enjoy its effortless care and maintenance.

The most favorite boat carpets do not only improve aesthetics but also deliver exceptional traction. That’s another reason why I love this product from House, Home, and More. The ribbed surface makes the texture rougher, and in turn, it enhances traction. Even when the carpet is wet, you are not easily prone to slipping.

9. CPR Marine Upholstery Trim Carpet

Of all the products I mentioned in this list, this is the cheapest. Knowing the price, I did not expect much when it comes to quality. Still, it is a decent choice, especially for areas with low foot traffic. It even works for boat cabinets.

When you buy this pontoon boat carpet, it has a pre-cut size of 72 x 36 inches. This size is only suitable for a small surface area, which also explains why it is economical. For larger areas, you will need a larger carpet since the manufacturer does not make it in a bigger size.

While it is pre-cut, you can trim the carpet to your liking. You can easily trim the carpet to change its size to fit lockers and other small spaces. It is made of a soft and flexible material. You can mold it to almost any shape you want. This is unlike other thicker carpets that can be difficult to cut and install.

Despite being easy to cut, it isn’t fragile. Many boat carpet reviews praise this product because it will not quickly disintegrate even after cutting, unlike those with edges that are easily prone to fraying.

10. CHURERSHINING Boat Carpet

A lot of the options for boat carpeting in this buying guide have solid colors. What makes this product different is that it has diamond patterns. It gives the carpet better visual appeal, instantly upgrading the interior design of your boat!

Apart from the diamond pattern, the textured surface of this marine carpeting offers exceptional traction. The non-skid EVA foam construction lessens the possibility of slipping, especially on wet surfaces. Additionally, the fibers of the carpet stay cool. This way, you can walk comfortably even after the floor’s prolonged sun exposure.

Cutting this bass boat carpet is easy! With sharp blades or scissors, you can quickly trim the carpet to match the shape and surface area of the boat. It offers options for customization depending on the floor size.

I also love how elastic the material is in this replacement boat carpet. Aside from ease of cutting and shaping, it does not easily deform. This long-lasting carpet is not easily damaged by wear and tear.

11. Better Marine Carpet Marine Carpet

Available in ten different colors, this marine carpeting will instantly upgrade the interior of your boat. It resists the harsh UV rays. Colors remain bright over the years,unlike in low-quality carpets that easily fade.

The rubber backing is another good feature of this pontoon boat carpet. It adds a bit of thickness to the carpet, which also improves its structural integrity. This also provides a place where glue can be applied to adhere to the floor. The rubber and fibers are also non-flammable, making it a must for promoting a safer boating experience.

Like many boat carpets on my list, this is also mold and mildew-resistant. This is important for a marine-grade boat carpet since water can bleed through the fibers. The carpet prevents unwanted smell and allergens. Its rubber backing does not attract spores!

Whether you have a bass boat, deck boat, or other types of fishing boats, the installation is effortless. It is made for DIY carpet application, so you don’t need to pay professional installers.

12. Value Carpets 20-ounce Marine Carpet

Like many of the top options for pontoon boat carpeting, it has a rubber-backed construction. The backing provides a sturdy place for the fibers to pile. This also adds a thick and plush layer between the floor and the top surface, which will give you a comfortable place to walk on the boat. It even works as a marine bunk carpet!

Worried that the UV rays will damage the carpet color? No need to be! Judging from the overall construction, I can say that the colors remain bright even after a long time of use. For your peace of mind, it is also good to know that Value Carpets offers a two-year warranty against sun-induced color fading.

The moisture-resistant construction of this bass boat carpet is also a plus! Aside from protecting against mold and mildew, it preserves the structure of the carpet. It prevents fading and fuzzing, as well as unwanted odor.

Customizing this replacement boat carpet is easy! Even if your bass boat has an irregular shape, it is highly-pliable. It is flexible enough to conform to the shape of different places where you will utilize the carpet. With a carpet knife or shears, it is effortless to cut it into its desired shape or size.

13. Industrial Supply HQ Deluxe Boat Carpet

Whether for a bass boat or pontoon boat carpet, this is one product praised in many boat carpet reviews. This 20-ounce carpet has marine-grade construction, so you can be confident that it is tough despite water and UV exposure. The synthetic latex backing prevents the fibers from loosening easily.

Speaking of durability, this carpet resists stain, mold, mildew, oil, and gas, among other things that can ruin its appearance and affect its longevity. It is also UV-stabilized and has a low water retention rate, making the carpet more durable. Whether you install it indoors or outdoors, you can be confident of its exceptional quality.

More so, this is a great pick for a marine carpet for bass boat or any other type of boat because of its ease of installation. No need to hire a professional carpet installation service. Glue it on the floor, dry, and enjoy! Not to mention, cleaning is equally effortless. Clean with a vacuum or hose to maintain the carpet’s peak condition.

For your peace of mind, this pontoon boat carpet comes with a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer. Even through the years, the carpet remains durable and comfortable. I don’t mind walking barefoot because of how soft this carpet is!

14. BoatCarpetSales Boat Carpet

One of my favorite things about this carpet is the rubber marine backing. It is flexible, making it easy for the carpet to follow the contour of the boat floor. It is also sturdy, unlike others that can easily break down. Plus, rubber allows effortless glue-down carpet application. The backing, as well as the rest of the carpet, is also fire-retardant.

Aside from the rubber-backed construction, I also attribute its durability to the use of UV-stable polypropylene. Even for outdoor applications, the colors of the fiber will not easily fade! Constant sun exposure will not dull the carpet color.

Additionally, it resists mold and mildew. This makes it a great pick for the right carpet for boat interior as it prevents unwanted smell, which is a common problem in carpeted and enclosed spaces. It also prevents allergies.

The color discrepancy is a common problem in a marine-grade carpet. In many instances, the actual carpet color differs from the one you see on the website where you are buying. Lucky for you, they send free color samples. Get in touch with their customer service department through email to request a color sample.

15. Industrial Supply HQ Standard Boat Carpet

If you go online and read boat carpet reviews, you will surely find a lot of good words about this product. I am impressed by its meticulous construction to ensure coziness and longevity, even in harsh environments.

Among others, I love how this marine carpet comes with a solid latex rubber backing, which holds the fibers together. When you bend the carpet, you will see small cracks at the back. This will allow water to pass through instead of seeping into the fibers for quicker drying. The backing also makes adhesion easy with the right glue.

I also like how the installation is effortless, especially if you have a helping hand. It comes with an instruction manual, so you will know exactly what to do. Cutting the carpet is also easy. Make sure to not cut against the grain. It also easily wraps around lockers and areas other than the floor where you wish to install this marine carpeting.

Beyond being easy to install, cleaning this marine carpet is a breeze. No need to exert a lot of effort in care and maintenance. You can sweep or vacuum the carpet. Alternatively, you can use a carpet cleaner for more stubborn stains. Once you are done, make sure to air dry before resuming foot traffic.

What is Boat Carpet and How Does It Work

A boat carpet is just like any carpet – it covers the floor as a protection against external elements while also improving aesthetics. It is different from regular home carpets in the sense that a marine-grade boat carpet withstands the harsh environment, such as the UV rays and saltwater, among other tough weather conditions and elements that speed up wear.

Types of Boat Carpets

As you narrow down the options for the top-rated boat carpets, understand that different types are available. What works best for others may not necessarily be best for you. From the type of your boat to personal preferences, different factors dictate which carpet is the better option for you.

• Cut Pile Carpet: It has looped fibers clipped in half, which means that only the ends connect to the backing. It has longer and looser fibers, making it more comfortable for walking on. Cut pile is a common choice for runabouts and fishing boats.
• Loop Pile Carpet: The fibers are in looped form, creating a firm and tightly-woven surface. It has exceptional durability, allowing it to withstand even heavy foot traffic. However, one caution is that it is easy to snag by sharp objects.

More so, another good way to differentiate the choices for a carpeting boat is based on the type of attachment or installation.

• Glue-down Boat Carpet: As the name implies, it requires glue to connect the carpet backing to the floor. This is quite difficult, especially in large boats. Nonetheless, this is a great option for boat owners who like more secure flooring, especially when there are a lot of movements.
• Snap-in Boat Carpet: For easier installation, a snap-in carpet is a great alternative. You will use screws and a snap tool to attach the carpet. I recommend this for non-permanent installations. With this marine carpeting, you also don’t have to worry that the glue will melt or disintegrate when the floor is wet.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Boat Carpet

Advantages of Boat Carpets

Need more compelling reasons to invest in a boat carpet? Below are some of the benefits that might convince you to purchase one.

• Enhances Interior: The installation of marine-grade boat carpets provides an instant aesthetic boost. It transforms indoor and outdoor spaces from boring to interesting. Match the color and texture to the seats and paint of the boat for a seamless look.
• Prevents Accidents: I lost count of how many times I have seen people slip and fall when walking on boats. This is a common problem when the floor is wet. High-quality boat carpets improve traction to prevent the floor from being slippery.
• Improves Comfort: Especially in rubber-backed carpets, it is more comfortable to walk on boats. The thick and fluffy fibers on the surface makes it more relaxing. Some carpets stay cool even when it is hot, making it easy to walk when you are barefoot.

Disadvantages of Boat Carpets

In the spirit of fairness, I also want to highlight some of the potential issues in a boat carpet.

• Absorbs Water: If the carpet is not marine-grade, then it will absorb water. In some cases, there is a high water retention rate. It takes a while before the surface is dried, which also increases the chances of mold and mildew in boats. Aside from having allergens, the carpet can also have a foul smell.
• Ruins Floors: It depends on the carpet that you will use. Some carpets require a glue-down application. When you remove the carpet after a long time, traces of the backing material and glue can remain on the floor. Some floor materials are also prone to rotting when the carpet absorbs and retains water.

Buyer’s Guide

With tons of options for the boat carpets, making the right decision isn’t easy. To help you narrow down the possibilities, below are the most important things to consider.

Material

The material of the carpet is indicative of durability, style, and price, among other things. Polypropylene is the most common material. It resists common problems, such as mold, mildew, shedding, pilling, staining, and water damage. Some are made using polyester yarns. It is expensive and sheds easily, making it less common than polypropylene.

Backing

Rubber is the most common backing material in a replacement boat carpet. It is the backbone that locks the fibers in place. Vinyl is also a common backing. Pick a marine carpet backing that is thick enough to make the surface cushy. It allows you to walk comfortably. Nonetheless, if it is too thick, the carpet is difficult to cut and install.

Durability

Choose an indoor and outdoor carpet durable enough to withstand external elements. One of the most important is UV resistance to prevent the colors from fading. Resistance to mold, mildew, and stain is also crucial. Plus, the edges should not easily fray after cutting. Otherwise, the threads will unravel, weakening the overall structure of the marine carpet.

Ease of Installation

Picking an easy-to-install carpet saves time and effort. You don’t need to hire professional installers to do the job for you. Instead, you can do it by yourself using basic tools. For easy installation, the manufacturer must provide a comprehensive manual. It should also be easy to cut and must conform to the size as well as contour of the floor.

Style

One of the main reasons why people use carpet boat floors is to improve interior design. So, I suggest that you pick a marine carpet that complements the overall look of your boat. Different colors, patterns, and textures are available. Get in touch with the customer service department of the seller to request a color sample and see how it looks before purchasing.

Inclusions

For the best bang for the buck, choose boat carpet kits that come with a knife and blade. You can use this for customizing the carpet depending on the shape and size of the boat. Boat carpet installation guides are also commonly provided. To add, some carpets also come with adhesive at the back. Although, I find it better to use a marine glue as it bonds stronger.

Care and Maintenance

Even the boat carpets require care and maintenance. Otherwise, durability is compromised. No to mention, stains and creases will appear, among other signs of wear. Below are some of the things to do:

• Clean the carpet regularly. Pay attention to the instructions from the manufacturer when it comes to sweeping or vacuuming.
• Deal with any problem as soon as possible. From mud to fish bloodstain, remove immediately. The longer they stay on the surface, the more difficult they are to remove.
• Use the right cleaner depending on what the manufacturer recommends. Stay away from bleach or those that contain harsh chemicals.
• Allow the carpet to dry before stepping on it. If the carpet is removable, dry it out of the floor. Without thorough drying, the carpet will have a foul smell.
• Position the boat strategically, especially for long-term docking. Keep the carpets away from the harsh UV rays to protect against damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the top-rated boat carpet?

Industrial Supply HQ, Lancer, BasCar, and Value Carpets are some of the top brands for the top-rated boat carpet. You can also find some generic options, but I suggest that you stick to those from more reliable brands for an assurance that the carpets will last a long time! Those from popular brands are more expensive, but they are worth every dollar!

Is marine carpet waterproof?

It depends on the product you will choose. Some carpets are waterproof while others are only water-resistant. If it isn’t waterproof, pick one that has a low water retention rate. This way, the carpet dries quicker and will prevent rotting. It also resists mold and mildew, making boats fresher and cleaner.

What is the most favorite carper for bass boat?

Industrial Supply HQ Deluxe Carpet is the best option for bass boats. This is my personal opinion, and I respect if you have another alternative in mind. It has heavy-construction, offers optimal comfort, and comes with extensive warranty coverage.

How to set-up?

The boat carpets are easy to install even without professional help. With a little time and effort to spare, the set-up is quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the installation of a marine carpet:

1. Prepare the area. If you are installing a replacement boat carpet, remove the old one. Get rid of traces of adhesives using a scraping tool. Clean the surface.
2. Check for signs of floor damage, including holes and cracks. Repair all identified problems.
3. Measure the floor area and cut the carpet accordingly. Use a sharp knife or shears to prevent the edges from fraying.
4. Position the carpet on the floor and see if it fits. Cut it again if it is still too big.
5. Once the fit is perfect, add adhesive for glue-down installations. Some require snap-in installation. Stretch and position the marine carpet depending on where they will be snapped.
6. Use a heavy object or roller to flatten the surface. This is important to prevent creases and wrinkles, making the carpet look better.

How do I remove an old boat carpet?

Use a putty knife to loosen the edge of the marine carpet. Gently lift it starting at the corner. Be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the original flooring material. Once the carpet is out, remove adhesives that remain on the floor. Use sanding paper or standard floor cleaners. A lacquer thinner is also effective for getting rid of the residues.

Can you use an outdoor carpet instead of a marine carpet?

If you are looking for an alternative to marine carpet, an outdoor carpet is a good choice. Nonetheless, there are some important things that you should be looking for, such as mold, mildew, stain, and fade resistance.

Where can I buy a boat carpet?

You can buy a high-quality boat carpet both online and offline. Check out local neighborhood stores selling boat accessories. For a more convenient option, I suggest that you scout online. Websites like Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Boat Carpet Central are some places worth checking out!

Conclusion

Elevate the functionality, safety, and aesthetics of your boat floors! Invest in the best boat carpet today, with help from my recommendations above. Take the time to evaluate the alternatives. From the design to construction, take note of the most important things to help you narrow down the possibilities.

Jonathan Larson

I am passionate about water sports and technical fields, so combining both makes me interested in making contents about boat accessories. With my partner, we went on many trips and sports games together, which led us to think about how we can spread our joys and passions to many people.