Repairing rubber on cockpit carpet

[Irish Mist]

I am on my second carpet in the cockpit area, the factory teak and holly one. I have found over time the rubber backing seems to dry out or simply wear away, leaving a mess of black particles of rubber when it gets rolled up or moved.
Eventually it is gone in spots and there is just bare carpet with no backing.
I found on line a solution which I have tried. I purchase liquid latex rubber and applied it by brush and roller to the bottom of the carpet. I put on 3 coats and the crumbling rubber is no more and the bottom is now all fresh rubber.
I will let know know how it stands the test of time, but I am impressed with the initial result.
This rubber when I read the can is primarily used to coat the inside of moulds. I bought two quarts for approximately $15 each. If I need to reapply every year I would be fine with that. If this fails I will be purchasing the custom cut glue down product from Raptor... I prefer the carpet but I prefer even more, no mess

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[Capt’nKarl]

I was having the same issue with the cockpit rug but solved the problem by sewing sunbrella fabric on the back. No more flaking or black residue on the floor. I would like to hear how your solution holds up.
Karl

 

[Brian B]

I found the Raptor site after some online searching. Interesting that they offer pre cut kits for some Cuts and RT's. I didn't see what brand foam product they use. I installed U-DEK (Ultralon Foam) last year and very happy with it. I've had one piece on the swim deck loosen up, perhaps we caught an edge of it coming up the swim ladder. I'm awaiting a replacement piece. Check out my photo album for pics.

 

[Irish Mist]

Hi Brian
It looks similar .. Raptor sent me samples and they really look good and stood up well to my testing 🙂
I suspect everyone uses similar material.

 

[Red Raven]

Hi Brian
It looks similar .. Raptor sent me samples and they really look good and stood up well to my testing 🙂
I suspect everyone uses similar material.

I was unable to clean motor oil stains from Raptor deck samples with Simple Green or Dawn. What did you use?

Curt

 

[Irish Mist]

Your testing was more extensive then mine 🙂 .. He told me to use vinegar for any stains.. You bring up a great point though.. With the applied flooring it is there for everything... repairs, trailering.. everything. With the carpet it is removable during times of cockpit abuse 🙂 I had missed that in the thought process..
I will be sticking with the carpet.. Fingers crossed my rubber works..

 

[Brian B]

When I did our stain testing the black diesel oil was the toughest to get out. Simple green and a stiff brush eventually got it out. I recall a video online that showed using oven cleaner. The U.S. distributor for Ultralon is here in RI. The owner delivered the piece I have to replace to my home. I mentioned this discussion and he said Raptor uses the Ultralon product. He spoke very highly of Raptors work.

 

[Red Raven]

As a follow up to this discussion I have since found that WD40 takes dirty motor oil stains off the RaptorDeck product really well. Brush it in and let it sit a bit then wipe off with a magic eraser. It is amazing how well it works!

Curt