Even if you have installed your own carpet at home, installing it on a boat can be much different. Unless you have no hatches, and the boat has wall-to-wall carpeting, a boat install will be quite difficult.

The carpet was replaced on our 1995 Carver 390. As with many jobs, preparation plays a big part. I was there during most of the work, so I saw the worst of it. The original carpet was installed with no plan for eventual replacement. All of the hatches had the carpet stapled and glued. Watching two experienced guys use all of their strength to rip out the carpet — piece by piece without damaging the hatches — was something. Seeing their labor convinced me I was right to not do it myself.

You need to select the replacement carpet and soundproofing/padding carefully. Walk on your selected replacement to help decide. Once you do, let the professionals order it. The installers had to figure out the right amount to buy using sophisticated calculations to end up with little waste. The carpet had to be wrapped around the hatches and steps just right, so the hatches sealed tightly.

My suggestions:

• Do not attempt to do it yourself, unless it is a simple removal and install.
• Carefully select the people to manage the install. This is critical. Find other boaters who have gone through similar installs and who speak highly of their installers. Select not just the company but the people to do the work.