hull liner replacement idea's
 

I need some help and /or ideas about installing a new hull liner of some sort. the existing liner is long gone, so i have no template to work from. Ive spoken to a few upholsterers and they are kinda apprehensive about taking this project on which means i will end up paying more for this them im willing to spend. from what im told, this process is done by the manufacture before the roof of the cuddy is even put on, so they dont have gravity fighting them. Instead of fabric, im looking at doing it in some marine vinyl , or something that wont stain and is very easy to clean. the boat is only 21ft long v hull so its not a lot of area that needs covered, but i have to do something, both for looks and to keep it from getting so oppressively hot down there during the summer

As anyone here in the community tackled a project like this, if so what did you do, how did you do it

anyone have any idea? stories from maybe a buddy who had success at this project? this was on my 2012 to do list and have put it off a few years! 2015 is the year of the finished boat. :)

Re: hull liner replacement idea's
 

no one has done this before! ok so here is my idea, using heavy paper to make a template, trace it onto a piece of thin luan wood, cutting it to match the trace paper, then painting the luan to fend off humid , moist, moldy conditions, the wrap the luan with car headliner material, then wrapping it with white vinyl. after each piece is constructed, attach it to the hull ceiling with that super strong Velcro car manufactures use to hold car doors in place, that way it could be removed if necessary. since the hull ceiling has bump downs if a few spots i was going to use that foam sheeting you can buy at a craft store to level it out the best i can, using that headliner glue that will make you see the green dragons if you inhale to much of it...

Re: hull liner replacement idea's
 

hull liner project

Re: hull liner replacement idea's
 

hull liner project

This was a 2 year process. part one was the removal of the hull liner, i have those pictures somewhere but it was dirty job.
once all the foam and fabric was removed , the fiberglass ceiling has to get ground to remove all the old glue and remainder of the foam. then a wipe down of adhesive remover too make SURE any last glue was gone, its important to have plenty of ventilation while doing this project.

All the windows were replaced, that part took 4 months to find b/c, like most mariah things, there not made anymore, when there were made, it was by someone who doesn't exist anymore.

Part 2 is the installation of the hull liner, Since the hull liner was installed when the boat cuddy was upside down, i had to fight gravity .

I installed a 1/4 closed cellulose foam, same stuff used in life preservers, then used a cream color hullliner material, all materials bought from miami rubber in Cincinnati ohio. I used permatex heavy duty headliner spray glue to attach it all. As you can see from the pics, i cut pieces of laun wood and ratchet load bars i use in my truck to help support the liner while the glue was drying. its more difficult to glue the foam to the fiberglass then it is to glue the liner to the foam, the liner sticks to the foam almost instantly, but doesn't totally set up right away you have time to move it around , about 5 mins or so. I would recommend doing this is a less humid cooler time of year when the temp is above 60 but no hotter then 80.

Any have any questions please feel free to ask, keep in mind, im an amateur at this! this is my first and hopefully last time doing a project like this. ;)

Re: hull liner replacement idea's
 

Looks like it turned out pretty good! Nice Job! :wink_thumbup:

Re: hull liner replacement idea's
 

That looks like a heck of a project to take on! It looks good!

Re: hull liner replacement idea's
 

it was a heck of a job, i bent myself in positions i didn't know was still possible!! :worry_to_laugh: